18th Century Commentary on Hamlet
English Lit: OCR A Level - Hamlet, topic 7.1.2
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
- 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 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
- 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 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 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”.
Test yourself on 18th Century Commentary on Hamlet
According to Hammer, if Hamlet had killed Claudius sooner...
Why was Hammer critical of Hamlet's desire to send Claudius to Hell?
What were Dr Samuel Johnson's criticisms of Hamlet?