Hamlet Act I
Themes in Act I of Hamlet
Corruption-
A major theme in Hamlet is corruption. Corruption first surfaces when the ghost of the former king of Denmark, King Hamlet, haunts the streets at night because he died an unjust death. The ghost informs his son, Hamlet, that he was murdered by his own brother, Claudius. King Claudius murdered his own brother to assume the throne and rule over Denmark, but he attempted to cover up the horrid crime by making it seem like King Hamlet just died. This theme is the premise for the plot of the play, and causes Hamlet to plot his revenge.
In the modern day corporation adaptation Claudius still rises in position and status because of a corrupt deed; however, he frames his brother and former CEO of Elsinore Co., Hamlet, for committing fraud. This idea of corruption transfers to the modern day adaptation because corruption in major corporations still persists today and remains as a controversial issue. Therefore, it was necessary to preserve the theme of corruption in the modern day adaptation.
Revenge-
Throughout the play, Hamlet, revenge proves to be a major theme. It first appears after the sudden death of Hamlet's father. A grief-stricken Hamlet learns that his father was actually murdered and that his uncle, Claudius, might be responsible. This knowledge causes the grief that had been building up within Hamlet to be transformed into rage and a need for vengeance. Hamlet's thirst for revenge slowly develops into an obsession that completely takes over his thoughts and actions, ultimately leading to his undoing.
Our reenactment of Act 1 of Hamlet changes the play so that its setting is corporate rather than royal. Hamlet's father is the CEO of Elsinore Co., not the king of Denmark, and he does not die, but is instead sent to jail on charges of corruption. Aligning with the basic plot of the original play, Claudius, Hamlet's uncle, is responsible for secretly framing the previous CEO, and he takes control of the company soon after Hamlet's father is gone. Hamlet finds out about his uncle's misdeeds and is enraged, and thus the theme of revenge is preserved.
Greed/Power-
When Claudius murders King Hamlet to usurp the throne of Denmark, it is because of his desire to gain more power and wealth. Claudius allows the temptations of luxurious treatment and power to persuade him to kill his brother. King Claudius is preoccupied with his reputation, legacy, and status, so he decides to force his way to the top of the political and social hierarchy of Denmark. In the play, Greed and avarice serve as the motive behind the corrupt actions of King Claudius, which notably characterizes the new king and allows the plot to unfold.
This idea is preserved in the modern day adaptation because in the corporation setting, which is often associated with greed, Claudius frames his brother solely for personal gain in status and wealth. In the modern day adaptation, Claudius desires to lead the company, which is similar to King Claudius wanting to rule over Denmark. However, in the modern day adaptation, Claudius also seeks the position of CEO for the increase in salary and profits. This is akin to King Claudius in the original play assuming the position of king for the lavish accessories and treatment that come with the position.
A major theme in Hamlet is corruption. Corruption first surfaces when the ghost of the former king of Denmark, King Hamlet, haunts the streets at night because he died an unjust death. The ghost informs his son, Hamlet, that he was murdered by his own brother, Claudius. King Claudius murdered his own brother to assume the throne and rule over Denmark, but he attempted to cover up the horrid crime by making it seem like King Hamlet just died. This theme is the premise for the plot of the play, and causes Hamlet to plot his revenge.
In the modern day corporation adaptation Claudius still rises in position and status because of a corrupt deed; however, he frames his brother and former CEO of Elsinore Co., Hamlet, for committing fraud. This idea of corruption transfers to the modern day adaptation because corruption in major corporations still persists today and remains as a controversial issue. Therefore, it was necessary to preserve the theme of corruption in the modern day adaptation.
Revenge-
Throughout the play, Hamlet, revenge proves to be a major theme. It first appears after the sudden death of Hamlet's father. A grief-stricken Hamlet learns that his father was actually murdered and that his uncle, Claudius, might be responsible. This knowledge causes the grief that had been building up within Hamlet to be transformed into rage and a need for vengeance. Hamlet's thirst for revenge slowly develops into an obsession that completely takes over his thoughts and actions, ultimately leading to his undoing.
Our reenactment of Act 1 of Hamlet changes the play so that its setting is corporate rather than royal. Hamlet's father is the CEO of Elsinore Co., not the king of Denmark, and he does not die, but is instead sent to jail on charges of corruption. Aligning with the basic plot of the original play, Claudius, Hamlet's uncle, is responsible for secretly framing the previous CEO, and he takes control of the company soon after Hamlet's father is gone. Hamlet finds out about his uncle's misdeeds and is enraged, and thus the theme of revenge is preserved.
Greed/Power-
When Claudius murders King Hamlet to usurp the throne of Denmark, it is because of his desire to gain more power and wealth. Claudius allows the temptations of luxurious treatment and power to persuade him to kill his brother. King Claudius is preoccupied with his reputation, legacy, and status, so he decides to force his way to the top of the political and social hierarchy of Denmark. In the play, Greed and avarice serve as the motive behind the corrupt actions of King Claudius, which notably characterizes the new king and allows the plot to unfold.
This idea is preserved in the modern day adaptation because in the corporation setting, which is often associated with greed, Claudius frames his brother solely for personal gain in status and wealth. In the modern day adaptation, Claudius desires to lead the company, which is similar to King Claudius wanting to rule over Denmark. However, in the modern day adaptation, Claudius also seeks the position of CEO for the increase in salary and profits. This is akin to King Claudius in the original play assuming the position of king for the lavish accessories and treatment that come with the position.