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The guy who gave Hamlet a one-star review is either a tongue-cheek humorist of the first order, or barring that, an absolute idiot.
Personally, I think Ophelia was another tortured soul on whom Shakespeare showered extra attention to describe her suffering. The charm of the language is equal to the complexity of the story. The genius of this work is not the language alone, but the mastery of describing Hamlet's inner hell. I had previously read translated versions of Hamlet, but I discovered that nothing compares to reading it in the original English. This work doesn't need my modest praise; Read this master piece. No staging of this work or great movie of the play can replace reading the play word by word. Shakespeare's words are an art form without equal, exquisitely mixed with a story of human anguish and emotional struggle. Admittedly, reading the play is intense and difficult work, but the joy of the journey is quite worth the pain.
It amazed me on reading it again after many years how many lines are in common use now. Hamlet is a work that is subject to multiple interpretations. What is justice. Was Hamlet mad.
What can one possibly say about the greatest literary work every written in the English language. While some of the words are difficult to understand without a guide it is worth reading an edition that provides this interpretation. The play is profound for the questions it raises as well as for its language. Just this.
Why does he delay acting. It is also worth getting an edition that provides some scholarly interpretation as well. Read it again. If you read it 20 years ago it may well mean something different to you now.
I've watched it played on a stage. The complete Hamlet can play for over four hours, which is not good for business. I've read it. This obsesses Hamlet, who,also, is depressed, manic, neurotic, and fearful. "Hamlet" is considered, by some, to be Shakespeare's best work.
So, it is easy to go wrong with this play.Nevertheless, this play fascinates us, all. Hamlet should be played by a 16 to 18 year old. Still, count up the dead bodies that accumulate during the play.One of the problems with the play is the "play-within-a-play" that goes on for too long. Also, usually, someone much too old plays Hamlet. Hamlet (the character) has problems. The play still drags. It could be better. Usually, 10% or more of the lines get chopped.
I am not of that school of thought. Fantastic directors usually manage to get it done in under three hours. Do not be satisfied with only one version of this play. I've watched a movie or two based on it. Apparently, his step-father killed his father.
and thanks to amazon i was allowed to fully enjoy this great masterpiece shakespeare has done it again.
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