1. Introduction to Hamlet
The Melancholy Prince

2. Simpson’s Version of Hamlet (insert satire here)
youtu.be/MavmON1goR4

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

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

5. 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.
(Introduction to Hamlet)

6. Hamlet
Is Shakespeare’s best known and most popular play with world-renowned actors

7. Enjoying Hamlet: historical background

8. English Renaissance
Occurred during the reign of Elizabeth I ( )
And the early part of James I ( )
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.

9. Denmark
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
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
This country keeps to itself
Known as a largely stable, healthy, and passive nation

10. Hamlet’s Demark is not the Denmark of Shakespeare’s time
But a far older Denmark,
Even bloodier and more threatening and aggressive

11. Hamlet: based on legendary material
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)
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"

12. Included in Saxo Grammaticus’ tales
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
A dead father
A usurping uncle (taking power illegally or by force)
Feigned madness
Revenge

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

14. Kronborg Castle

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

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