Love it. Of course the dramatic effect of the speech is to demonstrate to the groundlings a brilliant, thoughtful, and worthy mind. It’s part of Shakespeare’s character building of a maturing Hamlet, who is capable now of undertaking a process of analysis, unlike every other person in the play. It justifies the play’s end.
But what the hell is a “fardel”? And what’s it doing there? What a strange choice of word.
Thank you for this lovely essay. I appreciate it for so many reasons.
I’ve never clicked with Shakespeare because I don’t have the attention span to parse it all.
It’s a gloomy, grey Sunday, and Omicron is giving the day an even more ominous vibe.
A week of work awaits, and clients will be needy coming off the holiday.
My body is still processing the questionable dietary choices I made on Thursday.
But this piece lifted my spirits. My day is brighter, my mood more positive, and I have a new-found appreciation for - and understanding of - why the Bard is so important.
This is why I’m here. I’m here for the angry. I’m here for the history. I’m here for the politics. I’m here for the poetry and prose. I’m here for the joy. I’m here with the hope that through it all we will PREVAIL.
Oh, did I need this post this morning!! No, not suicidal, just loved your interpretation, right after talking to a friend re: anxiety and aging:
"The flaw in the Hamlet soliloquy is that it depends on fear. He doesn’t “lose the name of action” because he wants to stay alive, but because he’s terrified of death. Which misses the point. And the point is this: Life is fucking awesome! You’re the Prince of Denmark, dude! You have cool friends! Ophelia is too hot for a nunnery! Get your shit together for five minutes, quiet those ghosts, and the world is yours!" WILL DO!! Thanks!!
Thanks for this reminder that the world is beautiful and worthy of our attention. At this time of year, with so much that seems just WRONG, there is still much that is glorious and meaningful and inspiring. And Wilde was right, of course. Now, though, we don't quote him as much. We just steal his stuff for our movie titles. What Dreams May Come and The Undiscovered Country from this soliloquy alone! There was a rock group at my school called The Bare Bodkins. They remained clothed whilst playing, however.
Are they happy or sad tears is one of the best questions ever...thanks for helping me appreciate this through an entirely modern lens. If this blogging ever becomes tired, there's always senior English to teach; you'd be an "Oh Captain, my Captain" rock-star.
My personal most prized possession is a 1906 Complete Works of Shakespeare that my dad bought during the Depression, second-hand. Marginalia from the 1st owner plus father, elder son & myself. The greatest of the Bard's Tragedies, Hamlet
Excellent! Thank you for the reminder. I never tire of the profound realization that Shakespeare's writing shows that the human condition has not changed much throughout the centuries. And living in a house with two teenagers who insist that all of their experiences are the first time anyone ever felt that way, makes me sit back and smile through the rebellion! It's a beautiful, clear and sunny day in Chicago - Enjoy!
Love it. Of course the dramatic effect of the speech is to demonstrate to the groundlings a brilliant, thoughtful, and worthy mind. It’s part of Shakespeare’s character building of a maturing Hamlet, who is capable now of undertaking a process of analysis, unlike every other person in the play. It justifies the play’s end.
But what the hell is a “fardel”? And what’s it doing there? What a strange choice of word.
‘… the law’s delay…’ nothing has changed!
Dear Greg,
Thank you for this lovely essay. I appreciate it for so many reasons.
I’ve never clicked with Shakespeare because I don’t have the attention span to parse it all.
It’s a gloomy, grey Sunday, and Omicron is giving the day an even more ominous vibe.
A week of work awaits, and clients will be needy coming off the holiday.
My body is still processing the questionable dietary choices I made on Thursday.
But this piece lifted my spirits. My day is brighter, my mood more positive, and I have a new-found appreciation for - and understanding of - why the Bard is so important.
This is why I’m here. I’m here for the angry. I’m here for the history. I’m here for the politics. I’m here for the poetry and prose. I’m here for the joy. I’m here with the hope that through it all we will PREVAIL.
Again, thank you.
Oh, did I need this post this morning!! No, not suicidal, just loved your interpretation, right after talking to a friend re: anxiety and aging:
"The flaw in the Hamlet soliloquy is that it depends on fear. He doesn’t “lose the name of action” because he wants to stay alive, but because he’s terrified of death. Which misses the point. And the point is this: Life is fucking awesome! You’re the Prince of Denmark, dude! You have cool friends! Ophelia is too hot for a nunnery! Get your shit together for five minutes, quiet those ghosts, and the world is yours!" WILL DO!! Thanks!!
This and the lovely fall scene my browser chose for me upon opening my computer have changed my entire outlook on this gray day. Thank you!
Thanks for this reminder that the world is beautiful and worthy of our attention. At this time of year, with so much that seems just WRONG, there is still much that is glorious and meaningful and inspiring. And Wilde was right, of course. Now, though, we don't quote him as much. We just steal his stuff for our movie titles. What Dreams May Come and The Undiscovered Country from this soliloquy alone! There was a rock group at my school called The Bare Bodkins. They remained clothed whilst playing, however.
Are they happy or sad tears is one of the best questions ever...thanks for helping me appreciate this through an entirely modern lens. If this blogging ever becomes tired, there's always senior English to teach; you'd be an "Oh Captain, my Captain" rock-star.
My personal most prized possession is a 1906 Complete Works of Shakespeare that my dad bought during the Depression, second-hand. Marginalia from the 1st owner plus father, elder son & myself. The greatest of the Bard's Tragedies, Hamlet
Brilliant as ever
Excellent! Thank you for the reminder. I never tire of the profound realization that Shakespeare's writing shows that the human condition has not changed much throughout the centuries. And living in a house with two teenagers who insist that all of their experiences are the first time anyone ever felt that way, makes me sit back and smile through the rebellion! It's a beautiful, clear and sunny day in Chicago - Enjoy!