Hamlet by William Shakespeare | Hamlet | Plot | Summary | Characters | Theme | Historical Context | Critical Overview | Free PDF Download – Easy Literary Lessons
Hamlet
The play “Hamlet” went through an interesting journey before it reached its final printed form. In 1602, James Roberts registered it in the Stationers’ Register, a sort of copyright record book for the Stationers’ Company in London. However, before he could print it, another fellow named Nicholas Ling put out a pirated version using actors’ memories. This unauthorized edition, known as the first quarto, turned out to be a bit of a mess.
Finally, in 1604, the official printed version, referred to as the second quarto, hit the shelves. It seems like this one was based on Shakespeare’s own papers, but there were still errors and additions from the pirated version. Two more quartos followed, and in 1623, seven years after Shakespeare passed away, his colleagues John Heminges and Henry Condell compiled all his plays into a big book called the Folio. The “Hamlet” in the Folio was different from the second quarto and is thought to be a revised version by Shakespeare himself.
The exact date when Shakespeare wrote “Hamlet” remains a bit unclear, but hints within the play suggest it happened between 1599 and 1602. Despite challenges, the play gained immense popularity. Even during a period called the Puritan Interregnum, when theaters were closed and performances banned (1649-1660), people found ways to perform the gravediggers scene from “Hamlet” illegally.
In the 17th century, the play continued to be a hit. Samuel Pepys, a gentleman of the time, noted in his diary that he watched “Hamlet” in 1661, 1663, and 1668. John Downes, who managed a prominent acting company, mentioned that between 1662 and 1706, no tragedy brought more money and reputation than “Hamlet.”
Moving into the 18th century, notable English writers like Samuel Johnson and Alexander Pope edited Shakespeare’s works. By the 19th century, it became fashionable to read rather than watch “Hamlet.” Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s interpretation of Hamlet as a thoughtful but indecisive character greatly influenced how people saw the play.
As we stepped into the 20th century, “Hamlet” rose to become the most famous and esteemed play in the English language. Ernest Jones, an English Freudian psychoanalyst, added a new layer by suggesting Hamlet’s inactivity was due to his identification with his uncle, drawing parallels with the Oedipus complex.
During Shakespeare’s time, revenge tragedies were known for their explicit depiction of violence on stage. However, “Hamlet” stood out by focusing more on Hamlet’s internal struggles rather than showcasing graphic violence. This departure marked a significant shift in the dramatic landscape.
Shakespeare drew inspiration from various sources while crafting “Hamlet.” The lost play known as Ur-Hamlet, possibly written by Thomas Kyd, and older stories like Saxo Grammaticus’s Gesta Danorum and Belleforest’s Histoires tragiques provided the foundation for this rich and complex literary work.
In essence, “Hamlet” remains a timeless masterpiece that has captivated audiences for centuries, thanks to its intricate themes, profound portrayal of human nature, and the endless interpretations it offers.
