Hamlet - critical analysis

Question 1

Kiernan Ryan on Hamlet

Answer 1

Hamlet is a ‘cruelly miscast’ 16th century Prince. He is misunderstood and thus suicidal.

Question 2

Elaine Showalter on Ophelia

Answer 2

Ophelia’s madness as a way to reflect and to challenge evolving ideas about female psychology and sexuality

Question 3

Richard Vardy on the state of Denmark

Answer 3

Denmark is described as a prison, as rotten: it is a world of political uncertainty, intrigue with an ever-present threat of war.

Question 4

Richard Vardy on Claudius’ family values

Answer 4

Power and politics evidently trump family values in Claudius’ Denmark

Question 5

Richard Vardy on Hamlet

Answer 5

Hamlet represents a political threat to the kingdom

Question 6

Sir Herbert Tree on madness

Answer 6

The key comic element to the play is madness