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Similarities And Differences Between Hamlet And A Midsummer Night's Dream

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One of the reoccurring plot-drivers in the plays, Hamlet and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, is the notion of a play within a play. This concept helps build suspension because both plays critically involve the topic of eternal rest, but they also shed light unto Shakespeare as a poet because it plays with the idea of meta-theatre. It is the concept of mirroring other characters, and this is prominent in both plays. Another similarity between the two plays is that they include a message regarding absurd love. “Pyramus and Thisbe” focuses on two doomed lovers in a cliche comical way, whereas “The Mousetrap” in Hamlet doesn’t address the concept of love directly, but the objective behind the production is Hamlet’s love for his deceased father, …show more content…

It actually all circulates back to when Hamlet warned Horatio of his upcoming changes in mood, stating “As I perchance hereafer shall think meet / To put an antic disposition on” (Ham. 2.1, 172-173) In Hamlet, the play within the play has a darker tone to it than other plays with a plan, and this establishes the mood for the rest of the play. Hamlet’s sole goal was to inform his uncle that he is aware of the crimes he committed, and with this trick, he succeeds and sets his next revenge plot into motion. The play sheds a light on Hamlet’s manipulation and wit, because his character is tested by making a bold move of arranging this play. Starting with his overall enthusiasm while talking to the players, sitting next to Ophelia instead of his mother whilst the play is presented, and even going as far playing a role in the chorus: “… You shall see anon. ’Tis a knavish / piece of work, but what is that? Your majesty and we that / have free souls— it touches us not. Let the galled jade wince; / our withers are unwrong.” (Ham. 3.2. 222-225) Him participating in the play is him going above and beyond to manifest his point, and show how desperate he is to receive retaliation. All the tricks up his sleeves gets revealed, and his uncle reacts perfectly. This foreshadows darkness and unstableness, especially in regards towards Hamlet’s

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