Hamlet AO5

"the most perfect plot ever planned"
Noted Hamlet's introspection and the play's moral ambiguity
Saw the play as exploring profound questions about the nature of exisence, the human condition and the struggle between good and evil

Prominent Shakespearean scholar
wrote "Shakespearean Tragedy" - a classic in literary criticism
Explored Hamlets tragic floor ("profound and all-consuming intellectualism")
Hamlet's delay in delaying revenge is closely linked to his flaw
Emphasis on the psycological and moral complexities of Hamlet still shape discussions of the play still

Psychoanalysis - wrote "The Interpretation of Dreams" and offered a unique perspective of Hamlet
Explored psychological aspects of Hamlet's character and the Oedipus complex
Suggested that Hamlet's antic disposition allowed Hamlet to express repressed thought and feeling more freely
His interpretations have had a lasting impact

Hamlet is "most certainly an artistic failue" in his essay "Hamlet and His Problems" - the character lacks the motivations to be a tragic hero
Takes a critical view of the play - highlights structural and thematic issues
Sparked debates with people agreeing and disagreeing

her book "Shakespeare After All" highlishts the plays treatment of ambiguity and its role in shaping cultural and literary interpretation
Explores ambiguity and says the play can be interepreted in many ways
Discussed how the play is filled with references to acting, deception and the blurring of reality and performance
Feminish perspective - analyses female characters and their role in the patriarchal society of Elsinore

Primarily viewed as a revenge tradgedy
Early interpretations explored its exploration of moral and political themes - the time period marked political intrigue and power struggles

Highlighted the extistential and moral dilemmas Hamlet faced
hamlet's sense of alienation was seen as reflections of the Romantic fascination with individualism and the human psyche
Critics explored the links betwen Hamlet's inner turmoil and the external conflicts in the play
They also connect Hamlet's internal struggles with the supernatural - his solilogquys were seen as unifying with nature

Freud believes that hamlet's conflict is due do unresolved Oedipal feelings
Focuses of Hamlet's unconscious desires
Explores how repressed desires create guilt - causes him to struggle with the moral and psychological implications of death
Reflect on how his struggles reflect deeper questions about morality

Places the play within its historical andcultural context - shows how the themes relate to the time
Allows for an understanfing of the play that is embedded in its culture - eg the themes on monarchy
Interested in how literature can reinforce and subvert dominant ideologies - Hamlet is seen both challenging the status quo and questioning established norms

Examine the power dynamics in the play's society
Dominance of male characters vs limited use of female characters
Gertrude's struggle to maintain her position in society
Critics explore Ophelia as a character who represents vulnerability, roles and expectations

Examine the play in the context of colonialism, imperialism and the broader issues of power, domination and resistance
Explore the cultural and political dynamics of the time
Hamlets quest for resistance can be seen as resistance against opressive power structures

Somewhat agrees with Eliot that Gertrude is “ambiguous”, however argues that Gertrude had compassion for Ophelia, shown in speech at funeral. Ophelia and Gertrude speak 4% of the plays lines, thry are underrespresented

Hamlet is youthful, volatile and impulsive. Suggests Gertrude may have been involved in King Hamlet’s murder. Gertrude and Halmet’s relationship is strained and cnfrontational. Ophelia is more rebellious and assertive. Claudius is ruthless and manipulative. Reactions to play within play reflects fear of exposure

Play dramatises fundemental changes in Elizabethan society. Medieval, King Hamlet being replaced by Claudius, who represents diplomacy and statesmanship, negotiating with peace

Hamlet resists playing roles that society expects of him (Chivalric lover, obedient revenger or future king). He is unable to find self-definition. He is trapped - leads to his destruction

Critics such as TS Eliot were keen to place “the play’s burden of guilt on Gertrude and present Hamlet as a blameless hero”