the tragedy of hamlet the prince of denmark

It contains a very pre-Freudian examination of the mother-son relationship and what would eventually come to be known as ‘the Oedipus complex’, as well as a progressive, pre-feminist depiction of female sexuality and a brief treatment of what we now refer to as ‘the double standard’.Īnother thing that allows this play to remain so popular today is how incredibly quotable it isĪnother thing that allows this play to remain so popular today is how incredibly quotable it is. There are smatterings of content which prefigure literature and thought that would only become popular centuries after its premiere. But, in reality, it covers much broader ground. It’s set against the backdrop of impending war, and is comprised of a pivotal, doomed romance, a covert religious satire and a meta-theatrical treatment of drama’s ability to reflect the realities of those who observe it, while addressing key concepts such as love, betrayal, jealousy and misogyny. There’s also something very innovative about this poly-thematic tragedy. On the surface, it’s a conventional revenge tragedy. However predictable, this play is considered by many as the greatest piece of drama ever conceivedįirst of all, I cannot name a single other play as thematically varied as Hamlet. And I don’t think asking ourselves why this may be is such a bad idea especially with the recent 400th anniversary of The Bard’s death. But, however predictable, this play is considered by many as the greatest piece of drama ever conceived. It’s probably the most performed, oft-quoted and well-known work in the Shakespearean canon, and a literature student coming out and confessing that Hamlet is their favourite Shakespeare play is barely a revelation.

I know this isn’t the most original choice.

The tragedy of hamlet the prince of denmark