The Tragedy of Hamlet ( Folger Shakespeare Edition)

Author: William Shakespeare

First Publication date: 1599 - 1601

Lisandra’s Thoughts:

The Tragedy of Hamlet by William Shakespeare is my second favorite play, right after the classic Romeo and Juliet. It tells the story of Prince Hamlet of Denmark, who seeks revenge on his uncle for murdering his father and marrying his mother. Hamlet's uncle, motivated by his desire for the throne, stages his brother's death to gain control of the kingdom. One fateful night, Prince Hamlet is visited by the ghost of his deceased father, who reveals the truth behind his death. This revelation compels Hamlet to plot his revenge while grappling with the moral implications of exposing his uncle as the killer of the former king.

During this time, England was under the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, who I believe significantly influenced Shakespeare's work. Queen Elizabeth I served as an inspiration to many, especially women. Throughout her life, she remained committed to her kingdom, refusing to marry, and was famously known as "The Virgin Queen." Her independence inspired women to feel a sense of worth, particularly in an era when their rights were limited until the 19th century. For many women, the only path to wealth was through marriage. Elizabeth's lack of desire for marriage was unusual for someone of her status, fostering a sense of individuality and independence among women.

Fashion also played a role in her influence; she inspired many women to wear excessive amounts of fabric around their necks and wrists as symbols of status. Wealthy women often adorned themselves with lace cuffs to signify their wealth, while those of lower classes used more affordable fabrics. This trend illustrates how, since the 16th century, clothing has been a marker of social status and societal roles. It’s striking how we've been judged by our clothing for centuries! As Shakespeare writes in Hamlet, "The Apparel Oft Proclaims The Man" (Shakespeare 25; ch. 3). This suggests that our clothing reveals our character. Notably, the phrase "the man" emphasizes that during this period, society primarily regarded the apparel and character of men.

Recommendation:

The Tragedy of Hamlet is a phenomenal read for those intrigued by themes of revenge, deceit, jealousy, and religion. It also explores broader themes such as culture and the question of insanity. Overall, this play offers a unique perspective compared to works from later centuries, which is one of the aspects I love most about it. Shakespeare never fails to immerse readers in the essence of 16th-century life, and Hamlet is a prime example of this.

Quote from the text: "The Apparel Oft Proclaims The Man" (Shakespeare 25; ch. 3).