7.1.2
18th Century Commentary on Hamlet
18th-Century Responses to Hamlet
18th-Century Responses to Hamlet
18th-century commentators recognised the power of Shakespeare’s play but were also not afraid to criticise aspects of the play and its hero.
Hammer on Hamlet's character
Hammer on Hamlet's character
- Thomas Hammer published the first critical study of play in 1736.
- Hammer complained about certain aspects of Hamlet’s behaviour in the play, in particular what he considered to be Hamlet’s cruelty in not killing Claudius when at prayer because he wants to send him to Hell.
- For Hammer, such an attitude was un-Christian and such behaviour was unworthy of a hero.
Hammer on Hamlet's delay
Hammer on Hamlet's delay
- Hammer raises the issue of Hamlet’s delay but does not make it a point of controversy or debate.
- He simply makes the point that, had Hamlet killed Claudius sooner, “there would have been an End of our Play”.
- For Hammer, Hamlet’s delay was a necessary plot device rather than a problem.
Johnson on Hamlet's behaviour
Johnson on Hamlet's behaviour
- Dr Samuel Johnson is perhaps the leading literary figure of the age.
- He was also critical of Hamlet’s behaviour, complaining that he “treats Ophelia with so much rudeness… useless and wanton cruelty”.
- Again, the complaint is rooted in the idea that, in behaving like this, Hamlet’s stature as a tragic hero is diminished.
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Johnson on Hamlet's delay
Johnson on Hamlet's delay
- Johnson touches on the problem of Hamlet’s delay and criticises Hamlet for his passivity.
- For Johnson, Hamlet is “an instrument” rather than “an agent”. This means that, rather than actively pursuing revenge, he allows himself to be swayed by circumstance.
- Hamlet “makes no attempt to punish” Claudius and ultimately “has no part” in planning the fencing match which will lead to Claudius’ death.
Johnson on Shakespeare's plot
Johnson on Shakespeare's plot
- Johnson also criticised aspects of Shakespeare’s plotting.
- He could find “no adequate cause” for Hamlet’s pretend madness “for he does nothing which he might not have done with the reputation of sanity”.
1Introduction
2Plot Summary
2.1Act 1: Key Events & Ideas
2.2Act 2: Key Events & Ideas
2.3Act 3: Key Events & Ideas
2.4Act 4: Key Events & Ideas
2.5Act 5: Key Events & Ideas
3Character Profiles
3.1Hamlet
3.3Gertrude
3.4Ophelia
4Key Themes
4.1Regicide in Hamlet
4.2Madness in Hamlet
4.3Guilt & Punishment in Hamlet
4.4Settings in Hamlet
5Writing Techniques
6Context
6.1Social & Historical Context
6.2Literary Context
6.3Performance & Textual History
7Critical Debates
7.118-19th Century Responses to Hamlet
7.220th Century Responses to Hamlet
7.3Feminist Readings of Hamlet
7.4Marxist/Political Readings of Hamlet
Jump to other topics
1Introduction
2Plot Summary
2.1Act 1: Key Events & Ideas
2.2Act 2: Key Events & Ideas
2.3Act 3: Key Events & Ideas
2.4Act 4: Key Events & Ideas
2.5Act 5: Key Events & Ideas
3Character Profiles
3.1Hamlet
3.3Gertrude
3.4Ophelia
4Key Themes
4.1Regicide in Hamlet
4.2Madness in Hamlet
4.3Guilt & Punishment in Hamlet
4.4Settings in Hamlet
5Writing Techniques
6Context
6.1Social & Historical Context
6.2Literary Context
6.3Performance & Textual History
7Critical Debates
7.118-19th Century Responses to Hamlet
7.220th Century Responses to Hamlet
7.3Feminist Readings of Hamlet
7.4Marxist/Political Readings of Hamlet
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