Shakespeare's Hamlet anyone?

Question

What is the difference between Divine and Donation Kingship and how does Shakespeare explore the notion of Kingship in Hamlet?

Never read it but trying to help neice with homework, go on someone, help me look clever!!!!

Answer 1

divine kingship is 'god given' and supposedly natural. it keeps the chain of being (which is something that strings order and rank together) going and it doesn't cause any trouble. However, donation kingship is when true royalty has been usurped or somebody becomes king through 'ungodly' or evil ways. This results in bad luck and disturbance in the chain of being (that thing again!).
Shakespeare explores this through showing the resulting disturbance in the kingdom after Hamlet has been killed and his brother takes the throne. The ghost symbolises unresolved issues and shows that all is not right; the balance has to be restored. This is similar to Macbeth!

Answer 2

Well, Hamlet's father was king due to the belief that royalty were "choosen by god." But Hamlet's uncle murdered him b/c he believed he was doing the best for the state of Denmark, b/c they wanted a more democratic way of choosing their leaders. That's the political background of Hamlet. But of course, if the uncle dies, Hamlet inherits the throne. So you could say that at the end the fight between Leartes and Hamlet was a fight to oppose Divine and Donation Kingship, Leartes representing the popular will (since he was backed by all those supporters when he wanted to avenge his father's death) and Hamlet the old system of rulership.

Answer 3

It's a play that everyone needs to read to be considered educated. Don't you think it's time to read it and give your niece a good example plus some help?

Answer 4

couldnt you even try to hide that this is your essay question?!! Its not a very hard one to answer if you read the play. Go on.........give it a go!!