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Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616. Hamlet Books
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Jacob Feis
Shakspere and Montaigne An Endeavour to Explain the Tendency of 'Hamlet' from Allusions in Contemporary Works
"Shakspere and Montaigne" by Jacob Feis is a scholarly analysis that explores the philosophical underpinnings and controversies surrounding Shakespeare's play "Hamlet," likely written during the late 19th century. The book examines the connections between Shakespeare’s work and the contemporary ideas presented in the writings of Michel Montaigne, focusing particularly on how these themes might shed light on "Hamlet’s" complex motivations and motifs. The opening of the work sets the stage for an in-depth examination of the relationship between Shakespeare and Montaigne. Feis proposes that "Hamlet" can be better understood through the lens of Montaigne's philosophy, which has generated considerable debate in its time. The author outlines a historical context for the dramatic arts in Elizabethan England, discussing how political and religious controversies influenced Shakespeare's writing. He suggests that "Hamlet" is not only a personal response to the attacks from playwrights like Ben Jonson but also a broader commentary on the philosophical tensions of the period, particularly concerning issues of individualism and morality as championed by Montaigne. This analytical approach promises readers an enlightening journey through the intersections of literature, philosophy, and drama.
Unknown
Some Remarks on the Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, Written by Mr. William Shakespeare (1736)
“Some Remarks on the Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark” attributed to Thomas Hanmer is a critical essay written in the early 18th century. This work discusses Shakespeare's famous play "Hamlet," offering an analysis of its themes, characters, and structure while engaging with contemporary critical debates. The essay focuses on the importance of reason and nature in evaluating the play's artistic merit, challenging the rules established by previous critics. The opening of the essay introduces the author's intent to critique "Hamlet" by examining its qualities through the lens of reason and nature, rather than adhering strictly to traditional criticism. The author immediately asserts the value of true criticism as one that highlights a work's beauties while addressing its flaws only as necessary. The essay emphasizes Shakespeare's genius and his characters' alignment with human nature, while also pointing out perceived flaws within the tragedies, such as structural absurdities. Importantly, the author hints at a balance between admiring Shakespeare's work and being candid about its imperfections, setting the stage for a more detailed analysis of the play's characters and events as the essay unfolds.
Edward Payson Vining
Time in the Play of Hamlet
"Time in the Play of Hamlet" by Edward Payson Vining is a scholarly analysis written in the late 19th century. This work focuses on the intricacies of time as portrayed in Shakespeare’s tragedy "Hamlet," exploring the differing interpretations of how much time the events of the play encompass. The book aims to clarify the timeline of the actions within the play, challenging various critical opinions regarding the duration and implications of these actions. In this analytical piece, Vining meticulously examines the timeline of events in "Hamlet," asserting that the play's action unfolds over a defined period rather than the broad spans suggested by some critics. He breaks down the play act by act, noting specific scenes that indicate time lapses, from the initial midnight setting of the first act to a series of intervals and the final scenes. Vining argues against the notion of Shakespeare employing confusing temporal manipulations, positing instead that there is a coherent structure to the narrative that allows the audience to understand the timeline clearly. The analysis highlights key moments, such as Hamlet’s feigned madness, Polonius's death, and the political machinations at court, all of which contribute to a very specific chronology underpinning the tragedy's unfolding events.
George Sand
Le poëme de Myrza - Hamlet
"Le poëme de Myrza - Hamlet" by George Sand is a poetic exploration and reinterpretation of the themes present in Shakespeare's "Hamlet," written during the 19th century. This unique work combines elements of poetry and philosophical reflection, delving into the nature of human suffering, love, and existential angst. The narrative serves as a vehicle for expressing the complexities of the human condition, particularly the heaviness of grief and the weight of moral dilemmas faced by individuals. In this text, the character of Myrza emerges as a prophetic voice, recounting the creation of humanity and the burdens that accompany consciousness and reason. The first part of the book portrays the generative act of God and the resultant chaos in the world, leading to the introduction of humanity, marked by an intrinsic struggle against corruption and despair. Myrza's poetry symbolizes the delicate relationship between love and mortality, as she grapples with the knowledge of death while also celebrating the beauty of life. The second part transitions into a deeper examination of Hamlet’s plight, portraying him as a relatable figure whose profound grief and moral struggles resonate universally. In combining these narratives, George Sand presents a rich tapestry that captures the essence of human existence intertwined with divine insights.
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