Book Review 04 – Hamlet by William Shakespeare

Book Review – Hamlet by William Shakespeare

Title: Hamlet. Author: William Shakespeare. Publication Details: First Quarto: 1603 (Q1); Second Quarto: 1604 (Q2); First Folio: 1623 (F1). Genre: Tragedy 

Introduction 

Hamlet is one of William Shakespeare's most celebrated tragedies and is widely considered one of the greatest works of English literature. Written between 1599 and 1601, this play delves into the complexity of the human psyche, exploring themes like revenge, madness and moral corruption. The story follows Prince Hamlet of Denmark, who seeks to avenge his father's death, plunging himself into a whirlwind of existential angst and emotional turmoil. Through Hamlet’s journey, Shakespeare presents a profound exploration of human nature, ethical dilemmas, and the inevitability of death. 

Summary of the Plot 

The play begins with Prince Hamlet grieving the death of his father, King Hamlet, and disturbed by the hasty remarriage of his mother, Queen Gertrude, to his uncle, Claudius, who has ascended to the throne. One night, Hamlet encounters the ghost of his father, who reveals that he was murdered by Claudius. Driven by this revelation, Hamlet vows to take revenge but grapples with uncertainty and moral conflict. 

To confirm Claudius's guilt, Hamlet stages a play that reenacts the murder, provoking a guilty reaction from Claudius. However, Hamlet’s hesitation and overthinking delay his vengeance. His erratic behavior leads to the death of Polonius, father of Ophelia, Hamlet's love interest. Ophelia, driven to madness by her father’s death, eventually drowns, which fuels her brother Laertes’ desire for revenge against Hamlet. 

The play culminates in a tragic duel between Laertes and Hamlet, where Laertes, Claudius, Gertrude and Hamlet all meet their deaths. Hamlet, with his dying breath, avenges his father by killing Claudius, completing the tragic cycle of vengeance and death. 

Analysis of Themes 

Revenge 

Revenge is central to the plot, driving Hamlet’s actions and moral dilemmas. However, Hamlet’s philosophical nature complicates his pursuit of revenge, contrasting with characters like Laertes, who swiftly takes action. 

Madness 

The theme of madness is complicatedly woven into the play. Hamlet's feigned madness is a tool he uses to investigate his father's murder, but his melancholic introspections often blur the line between sanity and insanity. 

Mortality and Death 

Hamlet is deeply preoccupied with the nature of death. The play's famous “To be or not to be” soliloquy highlights Hamlet’s existential crisis, pondering life’s suffering and the unknowns of death. 

Corruption and Deception 

Denmark is often described as “rotten,” with corruption at the heart of the royal court. Claudius's ascent to the throne through murder represents the moral decay within the kingdom, further deepened by deception and betrayal. 

Style and Structure 

Narrative Style 

Shakespeare's Hamlet is a play driven by dialogue, with minimal action until its final scenes. It employs soliloquies, most notably by Hamlet, to convey the inner thoughts and psychological depth of the characters. These soliloquies invite the audience into Hamlet’s conflicted mind, providing direct access to his philosophical musings on life, death, and vengeance. 

Language and Tone 

The language of Hamlet is rich and complex, blending Elizabethan diction with poetic devices. Shakespeare uses puns, metaphors, and dramatic irony to add layers of meaning to the dialogue. The tone alternates between dark, somber reflections and sharp, sometimes witty exchanges. Hamlet’s sardonic wit and wordplay contrast with the underlying tragedy, providing moments of levity in an otherwise grim narrative. 

Critical Evaluation 

Strengths 

One of the greatest strengths of Hamlet lies in its profound exploration of the human condition. Shakespeare's portrayal of Hamlet as a deeply conflicted, philosophical character resonates with readers and audiences centuries later. The themes of death, revenge, and morality are universally relatable, and Shakespeare’s rich language and masterful use of soliloquies offer deep insight into Hamlet’s psyche. 

Additionally, the play’s secondary characters, such as Ophelia, Laertes, and Claudius, are well-developed, adding complexity to the narrative and reinforcing the central themes. The ambiguity surrounding Hamlet’s madness, as well as the play’s open-ended exploration of existential dilemmas, encourages diverse interpretations and continuous debate. 

Weaknesses 

While Hamlet is widely regarded as a masterpiece, some critics point to its protagonist’s indecisiveness as a flaw. Hamlet’s delay in avenging his father’s death stretches the plot and contributes to his downfall, which can frustrate readers expecting swift action. Additionally, the pacing of the play may feel slow to some, particularly in the middle acts, where Hamlet’s introspection dominates the narrative. The complexity of the language and the density of Hamlet’s soliloquies may also challenge modern readers. 

Conclusion 

Hamlet is a timeless exploration of human nature, confronting profound questions about morality, death, and the complexity of the human mind. Shakespeare’s intricate character development, coupled with his poetic mastery, makes this play one of the cornerstones of Western literature. Despite its occasional pacing issues and Hamlet’s frustrating hesitation, the play remains a powerful meditation on life’s most essential questions. Its enduring relevance, themes, and emotional depth ensure that Hamlet will continue to captivate and provoke thought for generations to come. 

References 

1. Shakespeare, W. (1623). Hamlet. In First Folio.

2. Bloom, H. (1998). Shakespeare: The Invention of the Human. Riverhead Books.

3. Greenblatt, S. (2004). Will in the World: How Shakespeare Became Shakespeare. W.W. Norton & Co. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

What is the main theme of Hamlet? 

The main themes in Hamlet include revenge, madness, mortality, betrayal and the complexity of human action. The play delves deeply into moral questions of life and death, the consequences of vengeance and the uncertainty of reality. 

Is Hamlet truly mad, or is he feigning madness? 

This is a debated question. Hamlet pretends to be mad ("antic disposition") as part of his plan to uncover King Claudius's guilt. However, some of his erratic behavior and intense emotional states suggest that he might be experiencing genuine psychological distress, blurring the line between real and feigned madness. 

What is the implication of the "To be, or not to be" soliloquy? 

The "To be, or not to be" soliloquy is Hamlet's meditation on life and death. It explores his internal conflict about the value of existence, the suffering of life and the fear of the unknown after death. It is one of the most famous passages in literature, capturing Hamlet's deep existential anguish.