Hamlet

Main thing

Hamlet is a play written by William Shakespeare that tells the story of Prince Hamlet's quest for revenge against his uncle Claudius, who murdered Hamlet's father and married his mother to become the new king of Denmark.

The play explores complex themes such as revenge, madness, mortality, and the human condition. Hamlet struggles with the decision to act on his desire for revenge while questioning the authenticity of his father's ghost and the morality of his actions. He feigns madness to avoid suspicion as he plots his revenge, but his actions have tragic consequences for himself and those around him.

Hamlet is renowned for its rich language, complex characters, and philosophical themes that continue to resonate with audiences centuries after it was first performed.

Example: The story of Hamlet has been adapted countless times in various forms, from classic films to modern retellings, showcasing its enduring relevance and ability to captivate audiences across time and cultures.

Terms

• William Shakespeare - An English playwright, poet, and actor widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and one of the most influential authors in world literature. Example: Shakespeare wrote 37 plays, including Hamlet, and 154 sonnets, which have been translated into every major language and performed more than any other playwright's works.

• Play - A form of literature written for performance on stage, typically consisting of dialogue between characters and stage directions for actors. Example: Hamlet is a play that has been performed in theaters around the world for over 400 years.

• Tragedy - A genre of literature that typically depicts the downfall of a protagonist due to their own flaws or external circumstances. Example: Hamlet is considered a tragedy because the title character's quest for revenge ultimately leads to his own demise and the deaths of many others.

An analogy

Imagine a person who discovers that their business partner has been embezzling money from their company, causing financial ruin. The person feels betrayed and wants to seek justice, but is unsure of how to proceed without causing further damage to the company and its employees. This situation is similar to Hamlet's dilemma, as he grapples with the desire for revenge against his uncle while considering the potential consequences of his actions on the kingdom of Denmark.

A main misconception

Many people believe that Hamlet is simply a story of revenge, but the play is much more complex than that, exploring deep philosophical questions about life, death, and the human condition.

The history

1. 12th century: The earliest known version of the Hamlet story, titled "Amleth," appears in Danish historian Saxo Grammaticus's work "Gesta Danorum."

2. 16th century: French scholar François de Belleforest adapts the story in his "Histoires tragiques," which likely served as a source for Shakespeare.

3. 1599-1601: Shakespeare writes Hamlet, drawing inspiration from the earlier versions of the story and adding his own unique elements and characters.

4. 1603: The first recorded performance of Hamlet takes place in London.

5. 1660s-1700s: After the Restoration of the monarchy in England, Hamlet is adapted and performed with alterations to suit changing tastes.

6. 1800s-present: Hamlet becomes a global phenomenon, with translations and performances in various languages and countries, cementing its status as one of the most influential works of literature.

"The play's the thing wherein I'll catch the conscience of the king." - This quote is spoken by Hamlet in Act 2, Scene 2, as he plans to use a play to confirm Claudius's guilt. It exemplifies Hamlet's clever and calculating nature, as well as his belief in the power of art to reveal truth. Shakespeare, the author of this line and the play itself, is famous for his unparalleled contributions to English literature and his profound insight into the human condition.

Three cases how to use it right now

1. A person dealing with a difficult family situation, such as a strained relationship with a parent or sibling, can find solace in Hamlet's story. By examining how Hamlet navigates his complex family dynamics, one can gain perspective on their own struggles and find ways to cope with emotional challenges.

2. An individual facing a moral dilemma at work, such as whether to report unethical behavior by a colleague, can draw inspiration from Hamlet's internal conflict. By considering the potential consequences of their actions and the importance of staying true to their values, they can make a more informed decision.

3. Someone grieving the loss of a loved one can find comfort in Hamlet's exploration of death and the afterlife. By engaging with the play's philosophical questions and observing how Hamlet processes his own grief, an individual can find ways to come to terms with their loss and find meaning in their own life.

Interesting facts

• The story of Hamlet has its roots in Scandinavian folklore, with the earliest known written version appearing in the 12th-century Danish work "Gesta Danorum" by Saxo Grammaticus.

• The play contains some of the most famous lines in the English language, including "To be, or not to be," "Something is rotten in the state of Denmark," and "Though this be madness, yet there is method in't."

• Hamlet is one of the most widely quoted works of literature, with references appearing in countless books, films, television shows, and even everyday conversations.

• The play has been translated into more than 75 languages, making it one of the most widely translated works of literature in the world.

• Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis, drew heavily on Hamlet in his theories of the human psyche, particularly in his concept of the Oedipus complex.