Hamlet critics and interpretations REVISION

“‘Hamlet’ is a palimpsest of ‘Amleth’”

“‘Hamlet’ is not primarily a revenge tragedy but an early psycho-analytic study.”

Claudius has a “measured rationality”

Like a “master commanding his dog”.

“we can imagine Hamlet’s story without Ophelia, but without Hamlet Ophelia literally has no story.”

After Polonius’ death, Ophelia comes on wearing his clothes. Reflects that Ophelia’s identity is made up of the men around her.

“Ophelia is an insignificant and minor character.”

“Ophelia’s descent into madness is inevitable.”

Hamlet is a “super-human” as he has conversed with death.

“All characters have a hamartia”

Hamlet is a revenge tragedy because Hamlet does fulfil his revenge. He is just thoughtful.

“the Ghost in Hamlet represents a common fear among the living of being completely forgotten after death.”

“The desire for revenge is seen as part of a continuing pattern of human conduct.”

Hamlet is “the ambassador of death”

“the theme of ‘Hamlet’ is death”

“Shakespeare makes no attempt to present his character’ anguish as being repugnant.”

“It is the fear of the ‘unknown’ country from which no traveller returns, rather than any religious prohibition, which deters Hamler from his own thoughts of “self-murder”.”

“it was the honour code […] that held extra marital sex, to be cleansed by death”.

“The single characteristic of Hamlet’s innermost nature is by no means irresolution or hesitation… but rather the strong conflux of contending forces.”

“female virtue is identical with chastity.”

“Hamlet’s disgust at the feminine passivity in himself is translated into violent revulsion against women.”

Gertrude’s self-sacrifice  is an “extraordinary act that gave Hamlet motive and cue to kill the King.”

“as an avenger, Hamlet seems more motivated by his mother than father.”

“Gertrude’s betrayal of her [first] husband is what caused Hamlet’s anxiety.

“Polonius seems to love his children. He seems to have the welfare of the country in mind. His means of action, however, are totally corrupt.”

“foolish and ineffectual”

Crafty - has a secret door in his bedroom which Reynaldo escapes out of.

Has a mistress on his bed - not a weak, foolish old man!

This scene is set in Claudius’ bedroom - emphasises the sexual behaviour in the court.

Makes the audience focus on their married life, just like Hamlet does.

Leans heavily into the Freudian interpretation.

Gertrude kisses Hamlet on the lips at the start - the actress is also very young and attractive.

Hamlet sexually harasses his mother when confronting her about her hasty marriage.

Hamlet wears all black - melancholy, depressed.

She wears a straight jacket and is locked in a padded room.

She is always in white with perfect plaits which reflects the patriarchal times.

White emphasises the expectations of purity, chastity and virtue.

Hamlet is an instrument rather than an agent

Revenge is a kind of wild justice

The ghost is the spirit of war and symbol of the devil

Laertes is a “hurricane”

Although he clearly loves her - Claudius shares Hamlet’s conception of Gertrude as an object.

The cunning and lecherousness of Claudius’ evil has corrupted the whole kingdom of Denmark.

Claudius is a “good and gentle king”

Hamlet is the only protagonist in any Elizabethan revenge play who can be considered a hero, aware of the moral implications.

Opening speech: This is a tragedy of a man who could not make up his mind