“The phenomenon of Hamlet, the prince without the play, is unsurpassed in the West’s imaginative literature. . . . Hamlet remains apart; something transcendent about him places him more aptly with the biblical King David, or with even more exalted scriptural figures. Charisma, an aura of the preternatural, attends Hamlet, both within and beyond Shakespeare’s tragedy. . . . We hardly can think about ourselves as separate selves without thinking about Hamlet, whether or not we are aware that we are recalling him.”
—Harold BloomHamlet is perhaps one of the most prominent plays in literature, and as we read it you might recognize some of the speeches, symbols, and themes. Chances are, now that we have been reading it, you will now notice parts of the play in life that you may not have noticed before.
In addition to the versions that we have seen in class, there are new versions of the play that continue to be made as directors and actors look to put their own stamp on the play and the legacy of Hamlet. (See: Hamlet: Prince of Cuba and The Play that Stalin Hated for some examples)
Many people regard Hamlet as the 'everyman,' the kind of protagonist that we all can relate to in some way. He asks the questions we all do at some point in life. Why are we here? What is the purpose of life? How should we take action and why is so hard not to take action? And as we will read in the final act with the 'Yorrick' scene, what does it all matter if in the end we only return to dust?
As you start to think about your own film versions, I want you first to consider the ubiquity and universality of Hamlet. Do you agree that there is something timeless about the character and the play itself? Or do you struggle to connect with it? What will your interpretation of the play lend to the legacy of Hamlet?
Please publish you response as a comment on this page.
42 comments:
As a reader, i struggle to connect with the play. Overall, the story line is very well structured and put together. Hamlet is very universal character, and unlike anyone we have read. His characteristics are unique which make him hard to understand. This can be good or bad. To some readers, it may drive them to read more and show more interest, but to others, it can cause to much confusion and loss of interest.
The character of Hamlet is famous due to his modern day emotions and feelings, even though it was written over 500 years ago. I find that I struggle to connect with Hamlet's personality, just because I am not extremely passionate and dramatic like Hamlet. I love this character and how understandable he is to alot of people, but I do not find myself understanding how he feels.
I have a hard time connecting with Hamlet just because the way they speak is a little hard to understand. However, at the same time, after I spend time analyzing the text, I feel more conected to it. It just takes a little time to get into it. I think the storyline is really interesting and relatable. It has themes that will be able to be found entertaining now, and 15 years from now.
I can't connect to Hamlet. Being in his position, I would act much differently. The choices and decisions he makes are foolish. He was however an emotional teenager. So I guess, in that sense, I can relate to Hamlet. I know what it's like to feel confused and angry. I know how it feels when you don't know what to do or say. In Hamlet's case he couldn't do a thing about it. He didn't go about things the right way but it could have definitely been worse.
I struggled to connect with the play. The language of the play was difficult to understand and get into. Using spark notes helped to get into the play more. Hamlet is a very dramatic character as well, so I found it easy to connect with him and follow his actions because my sister is extremely dramatic. His drama makes it easy to want to see more into the play and follow along.
As a reader, I have trouble understanding what is going on in the play. I think that Hamlet as a universal character because he goes through problems just like us still today. Hamlet has such a unique character that people can connect to and that's why this play is known worldwide. But "Hamlet" is so out of date that some people have problems understanding the play and then people get confuse and losses interest in the play.
i think Hamlet will live on forever. No matter what era it is it will be easy to find yourself in the play and connect yourself to the the ever changing emotions within it.
I think Hamlet is and will be universal forever because people around the world will always have questions about life and death. A lot of people struggle with suicide Hamlet and i know almost everybody wonders on what happens after death
I struggle to connect with Hamlet because of the contrast between the life we live in now and when it took place. I try to put it more in a modern way for me to connect my life and its surroundings to it, but it is difficult.
Being reader of the play, I can't really conncect with it at all and I really don't enjoy reading it. The book and the story to me is just very boring. I mean this story of hamlet is pretty common in our modern life but I just don find it intereesting.
I feel I am able to relate to Hamlet. Hamlet grabs the attention of teens more, I feel, because we understand how it feels when nothing goes right and it feels like the "end of the world". The story line deals with universal human emotions. And the language is beautiful even though I find it difficult to understand every word. Overall Hamlet will continue to be talked about just as much as the years go by because his story is just so creative that it keeps people’s attention and passes on through generations.
At times I do have a hard time trying to understand what is going on. When reading in class, I am lost at times because the words are rich and complicated most of times. Unless being explained in a way I will understand, then I wouldn't have a problem. I think that Hamlet has a lot that he wants to do but his actions aggravate me, when there is a inner conflict. It is like a back and forth thing. Should I do it should I not? That is the question... I believe he should just go ahead and complete his father's goal which is revenge and then face the consequences after. Then it wouldn't be as much frustration as it now.
i feel like Hamlet can relate to a lot of people in modern time and thats why Shakespear is still popular today. Personally i have a hard time connecting to Hamlet because of the way they speak.
Personally I do agree that the story of Hamlet is very universal in many ways. Other people may not think so because of course different people ract in different ways towards tragedy that they encounter. I think people can relate to Hamlet because some people really do question why they are here and what is the meaning of life if it really sucks. I think the story of Hamlet is timeless because out of everyone all over the world or anyone even reading this story people can question things just the way as he has questioned things. Also with the fact that he wants to kill his uncle because of his uncle killing his father, maybe some people wouldn't act the way that Hamlet has in this days time, but some people might thing its the right thing to do for revenge. Overall everyone reactes different and has a different display of emotions towards what happens to them. I can connect to it greatly because the character is very realistic to the thoughts I'd have about what has been personally happening to him. Although Hamlet can be a difficult play and story to understand, when you read inbetween the lines of the story you can really understand much better about if it relates to life or not.
Hamlet is a powerful piece that makes the viewer/reader thrive to understand his story and want to get more in depth with what he does with his life. IT has a universal feeling, the world can view HAmletin different ways and still feel what he feels. Whether he is a cowboy or a spaceman, he will have the same conflict as the original. It isnt all that easy to understand at first but becomes as easy as english once you pay attentions and understand what he tries to say. Hamelts legacy will live on because no matter what the generation it can still affect your life and make you feel as if you are in his shoes. As a reader i was able to have this impact.
As a reader, I kind of struggle with this play, but I do like the storyline.Hamlet nowadays, is famous with all the emotions and feelings. I do spend time analyzing the text and the storyline is really interesting.
Hamet is a play that people will always be able to connect to regardless of the time period or who is watching or reading it. Some people may not agree with all of his decisions, but somewhere in the play they will be able to connect to it. I can connect with the play at some parts although I do have a hard time understanding the language at times.
Hamlet is a timeless play. Look at Lion King, it used a similar plot. Or even the older episodes of ONe Tree Hill when Dan killed his brother. So even similar aspects of Hamlet are used now. The one thing i would do differently is show a little more of Hamlet's genius. As for connecting with the characters, it's not as easy but a few characteristics are actually relatible. Like supposedly Hamlet going crazy over Ophelia. That actually can happen in real life. That's the great thing about Hamlet. It is a drama but it is still understandable.
Hamlet always had a grand impression on all its audience. The character himself expresses many of the conflicts we face throughout life. This play is definitely universal. People can relate to the play in multiple ways such as to the characters, the events taken place, etc. Hamlet will be a timeless play anyone can relate to. Sometimes it's difficult to comprehend what Shakespeare intended to say, but once you break everything down, he makes complete sense. Everyone should look into Hamlet once in their lifetime.
I have some difficulties connecting to Hamlet. The Old English just doesnt do it for me. The characters of Hamlet are very dramatic and I love drama filled plays. Even reading the translations on the left side of the book, I still have trouble. It helps me understand it a little better, but I would like to understand just by reading the actually play. The storyline is very interesting and I can get into it. Our class discussions also help me to understand. People can still get into the play and enjoy it, no matter how old it is.
I think their is something unique about Hamlet. It's not nessarly a good thing but he is different. I mean, he listens to a ghost to determine another human being's future. He believe in God, but in the Bible it states that "He who is without sin shall cast the first stone" John 8:7. He is basically playing God so far in this book. So he wants revenge for his fathers death but the only way to get that revenge is to listen to an unearthly being and play God. I'm starting to think Hamlet has fallen to the deep end. Maybe this "ghost" is not real
As a reader i have a hard time connecting with the play because of the language that they speak. If they were to speak more where i can understand im pretty sure i would understand the play a lot more.But as we watch the different versions of the play i can see what certain things mean when said in the movie.
Hamlet is a classic play that demonstrates the difficulties of life that everyone will face in one point of their life. You can connect with this story by how Hamlet questions about his life and what his purpose in life is, just how we as high school student still wonder what we want to do in the future. Also finding people that we can trust and call them true friends. Even though it a play from hundreds of years ago and the language used in it is dead, when you break it down it still the same.
In my opinion, I feel as though there is something timeless about the play and I still struggle to connect with it. Hamlet had such an important role being one of the main characters. He is far different from the rest because of his unique sensibility. It is just so difficult to understand the play because of the way it is written. It's a bit of a struggle to really grab the thoughts of each character.
As a reader, I have a hard time understanding the text used in "Hamlet". With this struggle it is difficult to connect to "Hamlet" but once I analyze the text in class or at home, I understand what happens in the scenes as well as how Hamlet feels about certain situations in the novel/play. Hamlet is a character that everyone seems to relate to in one way or another. His actions and emotions are similar to how people would act today. I think this is why "Hamlet" is a universal novel that helps people. It's as if "Hamlet" shows everyone how problems can be "taken care of". Though "Hamlet" might be able to help the readers, it doesn't send a good message. No one should feel the need to kill anyone for doing something or thinking of dying. Everyone should know that things happen for a reason and that they are special and someone loves them and wouldn't want them to take their life.
As for me, I can relate to Hamlet but not a whole lot. I understand why he would want to kill Claudius and have shame on his mother but I would try to think logically because I do not want to go to jail for doing something stupid. Furthermore, "Hamlet" is a novel that is interesting, helpful and fun to read.
It's so interesting to see how split everyone is regarding the play. I like that even though some of you are struggling with the text, you are still finding the process of interpreting it worthwhile. Sometimes working through a difficult text can end up being more rewarding in the end. For those of you who really don't like the text or the language, I will definitely be interested in how you modify the play in your own versions.
As a reader, I as well have a hard time connecting with Hamlet. I find the language very difficult to understand, which makes it much harder for me to grasp. Unlike Hamlet, I am not an emotional person. I would handle his situations differently then the way he is now throughout the play. I agree that Hamlet could be considered a "universal" character, but i simply would not act in the ways he has.
Reading the other feedback from the other students, a lot of them seem to have a hard time connecting with Hamlet. On the other hand, I sort of can understand it. His perspective on life is what every human being should keep in mind of, whether it's from religious viewing or otherwise. Many people have taken Hamlet and renewed the play into their own versions, so yes I do think that Hamlet is timless. Also, asking whether he is a universal character, he certainly is.
As a reader, it is very difficult to understand and connect with this play. This type of language is very hard to connect with. Hamlet is a universal character. These characters are very different from the other plays we have read about. I feel that this play has a lot more description then a lot other. Even though many people find it hard to understand, it shows us how much different the language and writing was compared to many other stories. Many people enjoy these types of plays, but others find it useless, unimportant and pointless.
While others may find it hard to connect with Hamlet I find it rather easy too. Everything he's doing he's doing for a reason. They may think he is crazy and he let he's father death , he's mother betral and he's uncle snake-like actions get the best of him. But at the end he wants justice for he's father and is willing to stop at nothing to et there.
I think that hamelet is a timeless classic but you can only recreate it but so many times. hamlet can be interpreted many different ways but the more it is interpreted the further it goes from the original. this causes an initial struggle for a lot of people with the play. the best way to understand Hamlet and it's language is to see the original. basically to see this old language in such a modern setting causes confusion.
The play exresses a powerful meaning of life and death situations which ends up causing complexity and controversy of thought. Life and death is timeless when asing questions about it. Answers can remain anonymous or significant. What Hamlet went through was tough and the deaths of Ophelia and others are very tragic.
The play exresses a powerful meaning of life and death situations which ends up causing complexity and controversy of thought. Life and death is timeless when asing questions about it. Answers can remain anonymous or significant. What Hamlet went through was tough and the deaths of Ophelia and others are very tragic.
Ophelia was loving girl that lack the conviction of a women. she was commited, mind and body, to Hamlet. but when her father ordered her to stop seeing him, she lost her strength. to see hamlet in a near crazed state after abandoning him she became burdened with guilt and that pushed her too her limit. Finally to hear that her crazed boyfriend killed her father while her brother was no where to be seen, was the event that pushed the weak ophelia over the edge. at first she was in shock as there was no initial response from her. but this event, plus her lack of condolence caused her to slowly lose her mind and, eventually, her life.
As a reader i feel like i connect with the play but not entirely. I think Hamlet is a universal play. Hamlet has modern day feelings and thoughts that lots of people connect to. I find that the way is interesting and i understand most of it. Many people might think the same way and that's why its a universal play.
As a reader,I love reading Hamlet because it links up to the feelings in the present. Hamlet is a universal character because he goes through problems just like us still today. His unique character is that people can connect to him. Also the play is known worldwide because this type of story can be understood from all humans. People can have problems with reading Hamlet because of the situation he was in.
As a reader I can honestly say that I am in love with Hamlet. I think that it relates heavily to things that go on with us as teens today, sure we might not have the ability to relate to losing our fathers or our mothers marrying quickly but we can certainly relate to love. In high school everyone gets played and there is always a sarcastic character in the situation and Hamlet is that person and I think that he is hilarious.
I had a difficult time connecting with the play because of the old english and the pace at which it was delivered. I could not connect to hamlets personality because he is very sarcastic and dramatic. But in all i enjoyed the impact that hamlet had on the play. Hamet is very creative and is very strategic.
When we first started to read Hamlet, i definitely struggled to connect with it. I think this was because i didn't really understand it. As we read it in class together, and did some activities to break it down, the story became more clear to me. It showed me the hardships of Hamlet and the dilemmas he went through in life. He was a clever man and had to deal with many conflicts in life. He dealt with them in ways not a normal teenager would. His legacy will without a doubt live on.
The plot of Hamlet has been reenacted by several different films and plays due to having quality meanings. And because it has such universal morals and lessons any one could see the justification of Claudius' death. The play also gives lessons on how greed can corrupt people, and we told that from our parents/guardians or some other mature figure, so we can all relate.
While reading the play Hamlet, I find that I struggle with connecting with this play. I feel as though Hamlet is very dramatic and depressing which makes it hard to relate. Hamlet starts to look at life in a dooming way, that I choose not to do. Being in his situation I would act or react differently then he did. Also the lanuage used in the play is hard to understand.
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