Full Description
In the introduction to this new edition, David Bevington explores some key dilemmas and puzzles in this most famous of Shakespeare's tragedies. What is the role of providence in a work with pagan sources? How does Hamlet comment on dramatic art in his play within a play? What are the moral ambiguities of seeking revenge?
The introduction also traces the history of Hamlet criticism and performance from 1604, when critic Anthony Scoloker said the play "should please all," to the 2015 production starring Benedict Cumberbatch. Appendices offer key sources, an analysis of gender issues in the play, and textual variants from Quarto 1.
A collaboration between Broadview Press and the Internet Shakespeare Editions project at the University of Victoria, the editions developed for this series have been comprehensively annotated and draw on the authoritative texts newly edited for the ISE. This innovative series allows readers to access extensive and reliable online resources linked to the print edition.
Contents
Foreword
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Shakespeare's Life
Shakespeare's Theater
William Shakespeare and Hamlet: A Brief Chronology
A Note on the Text
The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark
Appendix A: References to Classical History and Mythology
Appendix B: References to the Bible
Appendix C: Sources and Analogs
1. From Saxo Grammaticus, Historia Danica (1180-1204)
2. From François de Belleforest, Histoires Tragiques (1576)
3. From Der bestrafte Brudermord (1710)
Appendix D: Domestic Issues in Hamlet
1. Marriage and Incest
2. Women and Obedience
Appendix E: Some Textual Variations in Quarto 1
1. Another "To be or not to be"
2. Different Advice to the Players
3. The Queen Offers to Help Hamlet
4. The Queen Laments Ofelia's Death
5. A Shorter Scene before the Duel
Works Cited and Select Bibliography
