‘Shakespeare presents surveillance and spying to be integral to a functioning court in Denmark.’ Explore the theme of surveillance and spying in 'Hamlet'. (45)

Intro- First thing to do in your introduction is alert the reader to what your line of argument (LOA) will be, and then how you will evidence this (AO1). Always make it clear what your conclusion will be even in the introduction: 'Shakespeare presents the methods of surveillance and spying to be a corruptive force because they represent the deterioration and decay of Denmark’s court and therefore should not be integral. Through this presentation, Shakespeare criticises the absolute power given when a country is ruled within a constitutional monarchy.P1- Consider every time surveillance and spying is employed; only ever for immoral reasons. Therefore, dedicate a paragraph to the ramifications of this. Surveillance and spying is never used with good intentions and consequently leads to the decay of character. Polonius' deception juxtaposes his use of "frankly", showing that spying is so integral to his identity that he can no longer recognise it as a flaw.P2- Think of a character which is most linked with this topic and spend a paragraph considering their presentation with close analysis. Claudius is the root of the decay and surveillance within Denmark because he is the one who wields the power to employ others in spying (AO1). Through this Shakespeare criticises monarchism because he reveals Claudius' power to be reliant on others, highlighting the flaws in the idea of the Great Chain of Being and the Divine Right of Kings (AO3). P3- Therefore, if the King is Denmark (AO3) seen earlier in the play, his degradation results in further decay of Denmark (AO1): In implying that the King is both corrupted and infecting Denmark, Shakespeare accuses the Divine Right of Kings (AO3) of being naive and false. Claudius’ stubborn grip on power emphasises his selfishness as he is willing to sacrifice the wellbeing of his country to consolidate his power, via spying. This disproves Wilson Knight’s assertion that “Claudius is not a criminal. He is a good and gentle king (AO5).P4- Consider the impact of this topic on the audience and how it changes their perception (AO5). Surveillance is so prevalent in the play, that it even transcends the fourth wall (AO1). Hamlet is constantly watched, resulting in his exclamation that “Denmark’s a prison”, linking to Foucault's panopticon prison (AO2/3/5). Conclusion- Ultimately, Shakespeare proves the deception and deceit necessary to employ spying is a corruptive force. This force decays the state of Denmark as it is used more and more throughout the play. He uses the repeated motif of surveillance and spying to criticise the potential for a Machiavellian figure in power (AO3), Victor Kiernanstating that "politically this is drama that points away from monarchism, though not towards any alternative”.