Hamlet Studies

This is a well established portal for Shakespeare studies

Section on criticism of Hamlet from the Mr. Shakespeare portal

This article discusses the idea of an elective monarchy in Denmark, which obviously impacts the play's overall power struggle, in terms of how the monarchy was established in each of the play's sources.

A good starting point for historical and cultural contexts for Renaissance literature

This is part of a back-and-forth conversation between the author and Professor Jack about whether Nash's reference to "whole Hamlets" is a reference to an earlier play; or whether it is simply a bit of imagery used by Nash in reference to the retold stories used by the playwrights of his day.

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder, clear and easy to read

A discussion of the variability of how Hamlet can be played, focusing on several recent (ie 2002) productions in New York City. I figure this article could be used if one were wanting to compare and contrast ultra-modern stagings of Hamlet with others from the past.

A critical view of how film adaptations change the discourse, reflexivity and meta-theatrical aspects of Shakespeare's plays. Sarah Hatchuel discusses the use of cutting and framing in Branagh's film versions and how his choices may lead the audience; but that this process, though often problematic, can still be true to the play's discourse.

Regarding this movie, Roger Ebert, from the Chicago Sun-Times, said that "at the end of this ``Hamlet,'' I felt at last as if I was getting a handle on the play". He accredits this to Branagh's skill in enriching the roles of characters beyond Hamlet; his ability to stage familiar scenes in new ways, his portrayal of Hamlet as an active participant in royal politics which makes "him less a subject for pity"; and his inclusion of scenes that are often left out in movie productions. One of the ways he enriches the roles of other characters is seen in his depiction of Claudius, played by Derek Jacobi. As Ebert notes, "in shorter versions, he is the scowling usurper who functions only as villain. Here, with lines and scenes restored, he seems more balanced and powerful". This rendition seems more like Shakespeare's productions would have been because the complexity of the characters is honored. Additionally, this version shows the importance of the play within the play that many other versions leave out. Here, "we listen to the actual lines of his play (which shorter versions often relegate to dumb-show at the back of the stage). We see how ingeniously and cleverly they tweak the conscience of the king, and we see Claudius' pained reactions". Branagh's gives credit to the intricacies of plot, like the play, the intricacies of character in his version of "Hamlet".

Unlike the common belief that Hamlet pretends insanity to further his plots of revenge, Paul Jorgenson's article is directed at showing how Hamlet has gropped "his way from an initial torpor and grief, through conscious anger, to a clear-sighted though troubled sanity". Jorgenson asserts that Hamlet develops deep melancholy and that his following actions stem from his attempt to regain his senses. He believes that Hamlet's transformation is an example of successful psychotherapy.

Discusses Hamlet's moral dilemma in his quest to revenge his father.

An article that appears to catalougue and describe some of the textual sources Shakespeare used when writing Hamlet (and Romeo and Juliet.) The library wouldn't let me access it from an off-campus computer though!

See productions at the Globe theatre in London all over the globe