Jerry Smith's Reviews > Hamlet

Reading plays isn't the best way to appreciate them in my opinion. Of course, there is so much to enjoy in Shakespeare and so many words and turns of phrase that he introduced to the lexicon, that it is still an enjoyable experience.

I have never read, and I don't think even seen Hamlet performed. it is certainly a compelling story and a fits the true definition of a tragedy since most of the main protagonists end up meeting various grisly fates. What is interesting is the language and, of course, the famous lines for which this play is deservedly famous.

It does pay to read an edition such as this one (borrowed from my high school children!) since there are archaic words that sometimes require definition. It is obviously important to understand as much as possible as the story develops since, when reading, one is denied the opportunity of seeing actors performing their craft on stage.

The plot is so well known it is not worth rehashing here but I greatly enjoyed going over matters in the text as they developed. Hamlet's rage and thirst for revenge is understandable but as in many other literary works where this forms a central plot theme (Count of Monte Cristo, Wuthering Heights et al) this quest defiles him, makes him an unpleasant character and drains a lot of reader sympathy from him. This is a well trodden literary path of course but Shakespeare is in the vanguard and does it very well.

As always when I have read a play, I feel the desire to see it performed soon!