Mirrors: Shakespeare’s Use of Mythology in Hamlet

Abstract

French New Wave filmmaker Claude Chabrol once said, “I love mirrors. They let one pass through the surface of things.”¹ Mirrors, whether physical or metaphorical, allow people, situations, and ideas to be reflected and examined—they provide a view below the surface and beyond the initial scene. Shakespeare utilizes this idea in his tragedy Hamlet by providing mirrors for the characters in the form of myths. Through the myths, Shakespeare reflects, like fraternal twins, situations similar to those experienced by the characters in the play, thereby highlighting the flaws of the characters and often foreshadowing their doom. Though not exact, these copies provide a view of the characters that is deeper than the surface. By the use of mythology, Shakespeare reflects twins, similar to doppelgangers, of Gertrude, Prince Hamlet, and King Hamlet that provide depth and greater understanding in his story.