A Palpable Hit!: A Detailed Study of Hamlet

In the words of W. J. Keith, “Shakespeare is central to the English canon because his plays have impressed hosts of educated and thoughtful people of various social ranks and political persuasions over four centuries."

Hamlet, like the title character, asks more questions than it answers.  Is it a drama whose theme in doubt?

We will start with the difficulties that the three different texts present as well as the uncertain relationship between them. Which was Shakespeare's final intention?

After glancing at sources, we will alternate between studying Hamlet scene-by-scene and examining the political background (Denmark/Norway/Poland) and religious context (prayer, purgatory, and Wittenberg).

We will also engage substantially with performances from the past, present, stage, and film. Was Olivier wonderful and Mel Gibson not?  Can the Ghost be scary? Can the gravediggers be funny? Is Hamlet insane at some points, or only feigning madness? These are just four of at least a hundred questions.

You may take this course as part of the following program:

What will I learn?

We will examine the following topics:

Week 1:

• The context of Hamlet: England was uncertain who would succeed elderly Elizabeth.  
• Two quartos and the folio—mystery and speculation (the 1604 text may have been written later than the 1623 text)
• A note on sources
• “Who's there?” The beginning, battlements, and royal court
• Elective monarchy

Week 2:

• Ghosts and Act 2
• Politics: Preparations for war and ambassadors
• Denmark/Norway/Poland/England
  

Week 3:

• Act 3 and travelling players
• Religion: Ghost from Purgatory and Hamlet from Wittenberg. Is Elsinore Catholic or Protestant?

Week 4:

• Historical performance: Gielgud, Olivier, Nicol Williamson, Mel Gibson, Kenneth Branagh, and more
• Hamlet as student, insane, or violent
• The 7 soliloquies
• All the other characters: How old is Horatio? Is Polonius wise or foolish? What happens to Laertes' rebellion?
  

Week 5:

• Act 4
• The women: Ophelia (love and sex), and Gertrude (sex and love; how much does Gertrude know?)

Week 6:

• Act 5
• Pirates, jokes, death, and mayhem
• Will Denmark be better off under Fortinbras?
• What is tragedy? Is it cathartic?

How will I learn?

• Lectures
• Video clips
• Discussion (may vary from class to class)
• Papers (applicable only to certificate students)

Who should take this course?

This course is for anyone who is interested in learning more about Shakespeare’s Hamlet.

How will I be evaluated?

(For certificate students only)

Your instructor will evaluate you based on an essay you will complete at the end of the course. You will receive a grade of “satisfactory” or “unsatisfactory.”

Textbooks and learning materials

Hamlet. Use any edition, noting that almost all composite the quarto and folio texts. Some course materials may be available online.