1. Revenge: The play revolves around the theme of revenge, as Hamlet seeks to avenge his father's murder by Claudius,. This emphasis on revenge is a common feature in Elizabethan tragedies.
2. Moral conflict: The play presents Hamlet's internal struggles as he grapples with the moral implications of his quest for revenge. This exploration of moral dilemmas is a characteristic feature of Elizabethan tragedy, which often delves into the complexities of human nature and the tension between justice and mercy.
3. Supernatural elements: The play incorporates supernatural elements, such as the ghost of Hamlet's father and the appearance of the witches. The use of supernatural forces to heighten the dramatic tension and create a sense of mystery and atmosphere is a common device in Elizabethan tragedy.
4. Rhetorical flourishes: The language in the excerpt is highly stylized and rhetorical, featuring extensive use of metaphors, similes, and allusions. This elevated language is typical of Elizabethan tragedy, which often employed ornate and poetic language to create a heightened sense of drama and emotional intensity.
5. Fatalistic outlook: The play conveys a sense of fatalism and the inevitability of tragic events. This pessimistic view of life is a common theme in Elizabethan tragedy, which often depicted the world as a place where human actions are ultimately futile and subject to the whims of fate.
The influence of Seneca, a Roman tragedian, on Shakespeare's plays, including "Hamlet," can also be seen in several aspects of the excerpt:
1. Stoic philosophy: Seneca's plays often explored Stoic philosophical ideas, such as the enduring of adversity and the acceptance of fate. These themes are reflected in Hamlet's soliloquies and his contemplation of the moral implications of his actions.
2. Senecan rhetoric: Seneca's plays were known for their rhetorical brilliance, featuring elaborate speeches and heightened emotional language. Shakespeare employs a similar rhetorical style in "Hamlet," with characters engaging in lengthy speeches that express their innermost thoughts and emotions.
3. Ghostly apparitions: Seneca's plays frequently incorporated ghostly apparitions and supernatural elements to create a sense of awe and foreboding. The appearance of Hamlet's father's ghost follows this Senecan tradition, adding a supernatural dimension to the play's tragic events.
4. Revenge tragedy structure: Seneca's tragedies often followed a familiar structure, involving a wronged protagonist seeking revenge against an antagonist. This structure is evident in "Hamlet," where Hamlet seeks to avenge his father's murder by Claudius.
Overall, the excerpt from "Hamlet" demonstrates several elements typical of Elizabethan tragedy, such as revenge, moral conflict, supernatural elements, rhetorical flourishes, and a fatalistic outlook. The influence of Seneca can also be seen in the play's philosophical themes, rhetorical style, use of ghostly apparitions, and revenge tragedy structure. These elements contribute to the play's enduring power and its status as a masterpiece of Elizabethan literature.