Multiple
read the quotation, and choose the answer that best explains the cultural or social function of the passage.
hamlet. never make known what you have seen tonight
horatio/marcellus. my lord, we will not.
hamlet. nay, but swear’t.
horatio. in faith, my lord, not i.
marcellus. nor i, my lord, in faith.
hamlet. upon my sword.
—hamlet, act 1, scene 5
hamlet is asking the men to him in his quest for revenge. revenge was important for the elizabethans.
hamlet is forcing the men to pretend they did not see the ghost, as this goes against protestantism, which is something that contemporary londoners would have related to.
hamlet is asking the men to convert to another religion. this would have struck a chord with an elizabethan crowd.
hamlet is asking the men to swear an oath of secrecy and loyalty, and the theme of loyalty and honor would have resonated with the audience.