Origins of Hamlet Henderson

It is widely accepted that Hamlet was the play that ensured Shakespeare’s immortality. The play has become synonymous with REVENGE, but that totally doesn’t do it justice!

Hamlet was NOT Shakespeare’s invention. Much of his audience would already have been familiar with the story. Shakespeare makes the plot subordinate to character development and theme.

Ur-Hamlet Title refers to all previous incarnations of Hamlet, and also to Francois Belleforest’s rendition of the story. Hamlet does have Scandinavian origins.

Hamlet timeline 11 th century – earliest known refence to the Hamlet legend, in an Icelandic poem 11 th century – earliest known refence to the Hamlet legend, in an Icelandic poem 12 th century – Historiae Danicae by historian Saxo Grammaticus. Hamlet was called Amleth. 12 th century – Historiae Danicae by historian Saxo Grammaticus. Hamlet was called Amleth – Belleforest’s version appears in his collection Histoires Tragiques – Belleforest’s version appears in his collection Histoires Tragiques – Thomas Kyd’s production of Hamlet is popular in England – Thomas Kyd’s production of Hamlet is popular in England – First production of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Prince of Denmark – First production of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Prince of Denmark.

Evolution of the story In the Norse legend, Hamlet, or Amlothi, translates to “desperate in battle” or “simpleton”, indicating that a motif of madness was already in place. In the Norse legend, Hamlet, or Amlothi, translates to “desperate in battle” or “simpleton”, indicating that a motif of madness was already in place. Saxo’s version includes feigned madness, the pursuit of a courtesan (early Ophelia), and Hamlet kills the king of Norway in single combat. Saxo’s version includes feigned madness, the pursuit of a courtesan (early Ophelia), and Hamlet kills the king of Norway in single combat.

Further evolution… Belleforest’s Ur-Hamlet includes the dumb show (Act III), the fencing match, incest, and the ghost. Belleforest’s Ur-Hamlet includes the dumb show (Act III), the fencing match, incest, and the ghost. However, all the earlier incarnations focus rather simply on revenge and bloodlust. Even Belleforest’s ghost is a simple figure, causing none of the metaphysical angst that we see in Billy Shakes’ play. However, all the earlier incarnations focus rather simply on revenge and bloodlust. Even Belleforest’s ghost is a simple figure, causing none of the metaphysical angst that we see in Billy Shakes’ play.

Food for thought… So! If the plot wasn’t fresh or new, what dramatic element should require the most consideration from the audience? So! If the plot wasn’t fresh or new, what dramatic element should require the most consideration from the audience?

Keep the question of Hamlet’s legacy in the back of your mind, as this will be the subject of your final analytical essay for this unit! (Shoulda seen it coming…)

The end. Hootie says hi.