Religious

Question 1

What was the main religion of Denmark during the 1600s?

Answer 1

Protestant Christianity

Question 2

What was the Protestant perception towards Ghosts?

Answer 2

An evil force that work on behalf of Satan to convince people to do evil deeds

Question 3

What was the Catholic perception towards Ghosts?

Answer 3

Ghosts seen as purgatorial, visiting earth to do good deeds to gain entry to heaven

Question 4

What was the religious turmoil regarding Ghosts?

Answer 4

There were ambiguous beliefs surrounding ghost represent religious uncertainty in England

Question 5

What was the Judaeo-Christian belief regarding marrying your brother’s widow?

Answer 5

Viewed as a sin (Claudius and Gertrude’s marriage)

Question 6

What was the significance surrounding Claudius praying in Act 3 Scene 3?

Answer 6

Death during prayer/shortly after means a person could go to heaven (sins absolved during prayer)

Question 7

Why was suicide viewed as a sin?

Answer 7

People believed it was due to an excess of pride as sufferer did not believe God could not save them [people would be curried at cross roads]

Question 8

What was the Catholic influence on revenge tragedies?

Answer 8

Allusions (religious imagery), characters presented as martyrs or saints

Question 9

What was the Protestant influence on revenge tragedies?

Answer 9

Individualism and self-reliance, focus on personal responsibility and the consequences of individual actions