Comic Relief In Hamlet

One of the most difficult aspects of entertaining people is finding something that a large audience will enjoy, and can relate to. A majority of the plays written by Shakespeare in the Elizabethan era were performed to influence the audiences and stimulate thought and debate about different aspects of life including social, and economic issues that were relevant during the time period. Going to see a play was something that people of all social statuses were able to do. Wealthy citizens would pay more to be seated, under a roof, while members of the lower class, who were referred to as groundlings, paid a penny to stand near the stage. Despite their financial capabilities, Shakespeare’s plays interest all audiences. Shakespeare used his knowledge on what the audience liked to entice people to see the play Hamlet. Shakespeare made his play so successful …show more content…
Hamlet is considered to be a tragedy, and adding in humorous scenes helps to balance out the play. Although at times the comedy aspect of the play may seem out of place, it is a very important part. People in the Elizabethan era enjoyed the dark plot and the tragedy in Hamlet, they also watched the play for the comedy. In the scene where Hamlet enters and sees two gravediggers, he is unaware that they are digging Ophelia’s grave. The two gravediggers are referred to as ‘clowns’, as many servants and peasants were called in Elizabethan times. These characters are meant to appeal to the groundlings in the audience. They comment about the way Ophelia has died, and try to make themselves feel better about their social status. The groundlings were also considered peasants, and the conversation that takes place may resemble one that other common citizens might have had. This scene is important because most of the play focuses on wealthy individuals, so this is an opportunity for other citizens to connect to the