Surveillance

Definition

Surveillance refers to the close observation or monitoring of individuals or groups, often to gather information or control behavior. In the context of literature, it explores themes of power, knowledge, and the impact of being watched. This concept can be connected to various motifs, such as the nature of truth, deception, and the consequences of scrutiny on personal and societal levels.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Surveillance in 'Hamlet' is exemplified through characters like Polonius, who spies on others to manipulate and control their actions.
2. The theme of surveillance is intertwined with questions of trust and betrayal, influencing the relationships between characters.
3. The constant observation faced by Hamlet heightens his existential crisis, pushing him to question his own actions and motives.
4. Surveillance not only affects individual characters but also reflects societal norms and expectations within the play's setting.
5. The idea that one is always being watched can lead to paranoia and inaction, as seen through Hamlet's struggle with decision-making.

Review Questions

• How does the theme of surveillance affect Hamlet's actions throughout the play?
  • Surveillance significantly impacts Hamlet's decision-making process. He feels trapped under constant scrutiny from characters like Polonius and Claudius, which amplifies his sense of isolation and uncertainty. This feeling of being watched leads him to delay his revenge against Claudius as he grapples with moral dilemmas about truth and justice. The pressure of surveillance creates an atmosphere where Hamlet questions not only the intentions of others but also his own purpose.
• Discuss how the concept of surveillance reveals underlying power dynamics between characters in 'Hamlet'.
  • Surveillance highlights the manipulative strategies employed by characters to exert control over one another. For instance, Polonius uses spying as a means to maintain authority over Ophelia and manipulate Hamlet's behavior. This constant observation creates a hierarchy where those in power maintain dominance through information gathering. The power dynamics are evident as characters navigate their roles within a system that rewards deceit and hidden motives.
• Evaluate how Shakespeare uses surveillance as a commentary on human behavior and morality in 'Hamlet'.
  • Shakespeare employs surveillance to explore complex themes of human behavior, morality, and identity. By portraying characters who are constantly watched or monitoring others, he illustrates how this scrutiny influences their choices and psychological states. The moral ambiguity in actions driven by surveillance prompts audiences to question notions of truth and authenticity. Ultimately, surveillance serves as a lens through which Shakespeare critiques societal expectations and the consequences of living under constant observation.

Related terms

Panopticism: A social theory developed by philosopher Michel Foucault that describes a system of control where individuals are constantly visible to authority figures, leading to self-regulation of behavior.

Gaze: The act of observing or looking that carries power dynamics; in literature, it often reflects how characters view each other and how their perceptions influence their actions.

Observation: The act of carefully watching someone or something, which can reveal deeper truths about identity and morality, especially in situations of moral conflict.