Introduction to the Settings in Hamlet

Hamlet is set in Denmark. The action predominantly takes place at Elsinore, the court of the new Danish King, Claudius, and his queen, Gertrude, the mother of Hamlet.

Why is Hamlet set in Elsinore?

This setting helps make Hamlet a very political play.

Much of the drama is centred on the difficult decisions that have to be made regarding domestic and foreign policy.

Other settings in Hamlet

Although most scenes take place within the court at Elsinore, some key scenes are set elsewhere, particularly when Prince Hamlet is sent to England (to his death) by Claudius before his escape and return to Denmark.

Theme of succession in Hamlet

Despite its Danish setting, Elizabethan audiences in London would have found the world of the play very familiar.

For example, as Queen Elizabeth’s reign was coming to an end, the issue of succession (who would and should replace the old monarch) was particularly relevant.

Invasion & war in Hamlet

English audiences would also have been familiar with the threat of invasion and warfare abroad, which Denmark faces from Norway’s young king, Fortinbras, who eventually makes his entrance in the final scene of the play.

Above all, the play revolves around ideas of kingship, governance, law and justice which also dominated life in England at the beginning of the 17th Century.

Historical setting of Hamlet

Even though the Hamlet story dates back to the 12th Century (and possibly earlier), the world of the play is the Europe of the early 1600s.

New ideas were beginning to challenge traditional beliefs about religion and the rule of Kings.