Inspired by current events happening in England regarding who will ascend to the throne after the death of Queen Elizabeth I at the time the novel was written, Shakespeare started his story with the transfer of the Monarchy's powers to a new King. This event is surrounded by uncertainty regarding the death of Hamlet's father and who would ascend to the throne. As well as a sense of betrayal when Hamlet's mother decides to marry the new king. All of these events give an air of suspense to the story.