Introduction to Hamlet The Melancholy Prince The Tragedy

Introduction to Hamlet The Melancholy Prince

The Tragedy of Hamlet What matters most at the end of an important tragedy is not success or failure, but what a man is. n Tragedy moves into the realm of the human spirit and at the end we contemplate the nature of man. n

Tragedy of Hamlet n “It is not surprising, then, that the greatest tragedies are those involving the greatest horrors, for facing a great horror demands greatness of spirit. ”

Tragedy of Hamlet At the close of the tragedy we are not so much concerned with Hamlet or Othello as individuals as with the spirit of man triumphant in defeat. n (Introduction to Hamlet) n

Hamlet n Is Shakespeare’s best known and most popular play with world-renowned actors http: //www. whatsonstage. com/londontheatre/news/famous-hamlets-through-theages_38512. html

Enjoying Hamlet: historical background

English Renaissance n n n Occurred during the reign of Elizabeth I (1558 -1603) And the early part of James I (1603 -1625) Renaissance means “rebirth” A renewed interest in “classical” values People moved away from ‘God” centred society to a more ‘human’ centred (humanistic) society, where earthly pursuits were considered important for their own sake.

Denmark n n n Denmark’s history revolves around the tragic plight of various emotions related to humanity’s struggle with greed, lust, hate, and revenge, which have a large impact on a country’s destiny In the play, pictured as both l A martial (war-like) and imperial nation (rule or authority of an empire or nation over foreign countries) Today, Denmark is a peaceful, civilized little state that minds its own business l This country keeps to itself l Known as a largely stable, healthy, and passive nation

Hamlet’s Demark is not the Denmark of Shakespeare’s time But a far older Denmark, n Even bloodier and more threatening and aggressive n http: //denmark. dk/en/society/hist ory/ n

Hamlet: based on legendary material n Hamlet not only mirrors the life of Saxo Grammaticus – Historian of Denmark, but also gives an account of some 60 legendary Danish kings (some mythical Norse gods) https: //blog. oup. com/2014/09/who-was-saxogrammaticus/ From the Gesta Danorum of Saxo Grammaticus William Shakespeare Saxo Grammaticus Hamlet's father Horwendil Gertrude Gurutha, daughter of Rorik King Claudius Feng Ophelia An unnamed "fair woman"

Included in Saxo Grammaticus’ tales n n n A bloody one (fictional) concerning a prince he called Amlethus (Shakespeare calls him Hamlet) It may have had its origin in dim tales of Viking feuds. It includes l A dead father l A usurping uncle (taking power illegally or by force) l Feigned madness l Revenge

Setting We might set the time of the play Hamlet as 1050. n Kronborg Castle in Elsinore n The castle still stands and Shakespeare’s play has made it world-famous n In fact, Hamlet is played in its courtyard occasionally. n

Kronborg Castle

Topics in Hamlet n n n Death/dead bodies murder Suicide Disease Graves adultery Incest Sex Madness Spying/mystery/intrigue Deception/betrayal

Themes and Subtexts of the play n n n plight of women as victims of the machinations of a maledominated society definition of madness revenge the inability to love rational and natural explanations vs. metaphysical ones - reality beyond what is perceptible to the senses