7.1.1

Introduction to Critical Debates

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Introduction to Critical Debates About Hamlet

Since the 18th century, debate on Hamlet has tended to centre on certain key questions. This section will explore the key issues identified below, as well as different schools of thoughts and production factors.

Key issues explored by critics

Key issues explored by critics

  • Hamlet’s delay.
    • Hamlet reproaches himself for his delay in killing Claudius. Is there some ‘flaw’ in him which prevents him from taking action or are circumstances beyond his control?
  • Hamlet’s madness.
    • To what extent is Hamlet’s madness feigned or genuine? If genuine, what is the cause?
  • The role of Gertrude.
    • How complicit is she in her husband’s death? Is her and Claudius’ remarriage a necessary act to stabilise the kingdom of Denmark or is it evidence of adulterous lust?
Points of view to consider

Points of view to consider

  • This section will consider how criticism of Hamlet has developed over time, from the thoughts of famous 18th-century commentators, such as Dr Samuel Johnson, through to present-day critics and scholars.
  • This section will consider different ‘schools’ of criticism (e.g. feminist or Marxist readings of the play).
Things to consider when writing about *Hamlet*

Things to consider when writing about Hamlet

  • The production history of Hamlet.
    • Each production of Hamlet (film or on stage) is a new interpretation of the play.
  • The textual history of the play.
    • Different versions of Hamlet were published in 1603, 1604 and 1623. There is no single ‘definitive’ version of the play: even the edition you are studying is likely to be a ‘hybrid’ of these 3 different editions. Each new production/publication has to make a series of crucial decisions as to which edition of Hamlet to use at different moments.
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1

Introduction

1.1

Introduction & Background to Hamlet

1.1.1Introduction to Hamlet1.1.2The Literary Tradition of the Hamlet Story1.1.3Introduction to the Settings in Hamlet1.1.4Introduction to Social Issues Raised
2

Plot Summary

2.1

Act 1: Key Events & Ideas

2.1.1Act 1, Scene 12.1.2Act 1, Scene 22.1.3Act 1, Scene 32.1.4Act 1, Scenes 4-5
2.2

Act 2: Key Events & Ideas

2.2.1Act 2, Scene 12.2.2Act 2, Scene 2
2.3

Act 3: Key Events & Ideas

2.3.1Act 3, Scene 1: Key Events2.3.2Act 3, Scene 1: Key Ideas2.3.3Act 3, Scene 22.3.4Act 3, Scene 32.3.5Act 3, Scene 4
2.4

Act 4: Key Events & Ideas

2.4.1Act 4, Scene 12.4.2Act 4, Scenes 2-32.4.3Act 4, Scene 42.4.4Act 4, Scene 5: Key Events2.4.5Act 4, Scene 5: Key Ideas2.4.6Act 4, Scene 62.4.7Act 4, Scene 7
2.5

Act 5: Key Events & Ideas

2.5.1Act 5, Scene 1: Key Events2.5.2Act 5, Scene 2: Key Events2.5.3Act 5, Scene 2: Key Ideas
3

Character Profiles

3.1

Hamlet

3.1.1Hamlet's Speech & Mind3.1.2Hamlet's Heroic Status3.1.3Hamlet's State of Mind3.1.4Hamlet's Indecision/Action Taking
3.2

Claudius

3.2.1Claudius' Crime3.2.2Changing Impressions of Claudius
3.3

Gertrude

3.3.1Mystery & Hamlet's View of Gertrude3.3.2Gertrude's Character3.3.3Gertrude's Relationship with Hamlet
3.4

Ophelia

3.4.1Ophelia
3.5

Polonius

3.5.1Portrayal of Polonius & Treatment of Ophelia3.5.2Polonius' Spying & Death
3.6

Laertes

3.6.1Laertes' Popularity & Relationship with Ophelia3.6.2Laertes' Character Traits
4

Key Themes

4.1

Regicide in Hamlet

4.1.1Regicide in Hamlet
4.2

Madness in Hamlet

4.2.1Madness in Hamlet
4.3

Guilt & Punishment in Hamlet

4.3.1Guilt in Hamlet4.3.2Punishment in Hamlet
4.4

Settings in Hamlet

4.4.1Physical Settings & Historical Setting of Hamlet
5

Writing Techniques

5.1

Structure

5.1.1Structure of Hamlet5.1.2'Play Within a Play' Structure5.1.3Play-Acting Motif
5.2

Form

5.2.1Soliloquy5.2.2Comedy
5.3

Imagery

5.3.1Imagery of Corruption & Decay5.3.2Imagery: Healing, Performance & Costume
5.4

Language

5.4.1Word Usage & Hendiadys5.4.2Questions & Classical Allusions
6

Context

6.1

Social & Historical Context

6.1.1Elizabeth I & Succession6.1.2Cosmic & Social Hierarchy6.1.3Renaissance & Emergence of Humanism6.1.4Regicide6.1.5The Reformation
6.2

Literary Context

6.2.1Seneca Tragedy6.2.2The Revenge Tragedy
6.3

Performance & Textual History

6.3.1Performance History of Hamlet6.3.2Textual History of Hamlet
7

Critical Debates

7.1

18-19th Century Responses to Hamlet

7.1.1Introduction to Critical Debates7.1.218th Century Commentary on Hamlet7.1.3Romantic Commentary on Hamlet
7.2

20th Century Responses to Hamlet

7.2.1Freudian Response to Hamlet7.2.2Other Early 20th Century Responses to Hamlet
7.3

Feminist Readings of Hamlet

7.3.1Introduction to Feminist Criticism7.3.2Feminist Readings of Hamlet7.3.3Presentation of Ophelia
7.4

Marxist/Political Readings of Hamlet

7.4.1Introduction to Marxist Criticisms7.4.2Marxist Readings of Hamlet

Practice questions on Introduction to Critical Debates

Can you answer these? Test yourself with free interactive practice on Seneca — used by over 10 million students.

  1. 1
    What key issues has debate on *Hamlet* tended to focus on since the 18th Century? Fill in the list
  2. 2
    Which of these is a famous 18-century *Hamlet* critic? Multiple choice
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Textual History of Hamlet

18th Century Commentary on Hamlet