Context - Queen Elizabeth and fears about succession

Question 1

When was the play first performed?

Answer 1

1601, when Queen Elizabeth was 67

Question 2

How old was Queen Elizabeth when Hamlet was first performed?

Answer 2

67

Question 3

Hamlet was written during a time of political uncertainty and ____

Answer 3

fear

Question 4

Why was there political uncertainty when Hamlet was first performed?

Answer 4

Queen Elizabeth had no children and it was unclear who would inherit the throne when she died.

Question 5

How long had Queen Elizabeth ruled for at this time?

Answer 5

for over 40 years

Question 6

What was the cause of previous turmoil?

Answer 6

The previous ruling of her father Henry VIII, breaking away from the Catholic Church.

Question 7

Why did Shakespeare set the play in Denmark?

Answer 7

So Shakespeare is able to explore these controversial issues without having to worry about ‘The Bishops Ban of 1599

Question 8

What was the Bishops Ban?

Answer 8

An act of censorship by a number of prominent English Bishops which sought to ban plays that were deemed blasphemous or dangerous.