* To focus on the characters. By taking certain events offstage, Shakespeare can focus more attention on the characters and their interactions. This can help to create a more intimate and personal connection between the audience and the characters.
* To speed up the action. By taking certain events offstage, Shakespeare can speed up the pace of the play. This can be helpful in comedies, where the audience wants to see the action move quickly.
* To create a sense of mystery. By taking certain events offstage, Shakespeare can create a sense of mystery and intrigue. This can be especially effective in historical plays, where the audience is not familiar with all of the details of the story.
* To avoid censorship. In Shakespeare's time, there were strict laws about what could be said and done on stage. By taking certain events offstage, Shakespeare could avoid running afoul of the censors.
Elision is a powerful technique that can be used to create a variety of effects in drama. Shakespeare was a master of elision, and he used it to great effect in his plays.