Act 1 :: essays research papers

In any play, the opening act is essential to the purpose of outlining the main themes and characters of the piece. It also reveals the plot and the mood of the play to the audience. Act I of crossroads is very successful in outlining these aspects and yet is also successful in highlighting the atmosphere of the play and in doing so, suggesting aspects of the play as a whole. Shakespeare communicates this development a variety of dramatic techniques and I will also be outlining these in this essay.One of the most important aspects that is revealed in this act is that of the themes of the play. There are various themes that are suggested but I will comment on those that I consider most important those of remainder and appearance versus reality. The theme of conflict is bingle that is emphasised from the start of the Act. The setting which Shakespeare starts the play is dark, desolate and "bitter cold". This aids with the atmosphere of tenseness as it emphasises the atmosp here that is being communicated one of tension which in turn suggests conflict. The theme is also established at an early point as even the second line of the play regards a conflict, as Bernado is forced to "Stand, and unfold yourself". From this point onwards the atmosphere of conflict is highlighted by the constant use of military language, "Let us assail your ears...host of heaven". hitherto it is also highlighted by other subtle aspects of the Act, the ghosts military apparel and the ongoing conflict between Hamlet and Claudius, "A little more than kin, and less than cordial". In my opinion, the need for this conflict to be communicated early in the play was essential as, it is the major theme of the text Hamlets inner struggle id the epitome of the conflict in the play and it is this that is the central theme of the play.