Recalling Shakespeare’s immortal words conjures up images of tragedy. Here before us stands the Hamlet Statue. Let’s delve into the story of this artwork in Hanover.
This statue brings to mind the tale of Hamlet. Shakespeare wrote about Prince Hamlet. Hamlet’s story is one of murder and revenge. The play explores themes of morality. It showcases political intrigue. The text of Hamlet was completed between February 1601 and Summer 1602. It was first performed at the Globe Theatre.
Hamlet first appeared in 1603 as a pirated edition. An authorized version was printed in 1604. An early variant might have been known in London from 1594. The play was a success from its first appearance. The basic story was already known through various traditions. It enjoyed popularity even before Shakespeare’s adaptation. Its popularity was evident in its continuous stage presence. It also enjoyed many print editions. Translations into German were also very common.
Words from Hamlet’s monologues became common phrases. Examples include “To be or not to be.” Another one is “The rest is silence.” The story of the Danish prince is one of Shakespeare’s greatest works. He is dressed in a dark jacket. He carries a book. Alfred Tennyson called it the “greatest of all literary works.”
Hamlet’s story consists of three narrative strands. These are “Prince Hamlet’s revenge.” Another one is “Prince Fortinbras’ war.” Also there is “Hamlet and Ophelia.” These are woven into a political situation. There is a long-standing conflict between King Hamlet and the “old Norway.” Hamlet’s story unfolds with events in Wittenberg. These include his studies. His relationships with friends like Horatio are important. Also there is the relationship with his schoolmates Rosencrantz and Guildenstern.
The main plot is about Prince Hamlet’s revenge. Hamlet learns that his father was murdered. The murderer was Claudius. Claudius is King Hamlet’s brother. Hamlet plots revenge with Horatio. He plans to expose the new king. He uses a public staging of the crime. Hamlet hesitates to kill Claudius while he is praying. Claudius then banishes his nephew. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern accompany him. Claudius sends a letter to the King of England. It requests Hamlet’s execution. Hamlet changes the letter. It becomes a death sentence for Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. Hamlet returns to Denmark after a pirate attack. Claudius instigates a duel with Laertes. Laertes is Ophelia’s brother. The royal couple and both opponents die.
Fortinbras demands the return of lands. Claudius prepares for war. He seeks a diplomatic solution. His intervention with Prince Fortinbras’ uncle is successful. The “old Norway” orders the prince to stop his war preparations. Fortinbras agrees after receiving a considerable pension. He leads his troops to Poland. Claudius assures him safe passage. During his journey to England, Hamlet meets Fortinbras’ troops. After his victory, Fortinbras arrives in Elsinore. He inherits the crown of Denmark.
The second subplot involves Hamlet and Ophelia as lovers. Polonius forbids his daughter to associate with Hamlet. He uses Ophelia to spy on Hamlet. Hamlet forces a separation from his lover. Hamlet accidentally kills Polonius. Claudius banishes Hamlet to England. Ophelia despairs and dies.
Shakespeare tells the story of five young adults. Prince Hamlet is half-orphaned by his father’s death. His mother Gertrude married his uncle Claudius. Laertes and Ophelia seem to be half-orphans too. They are the children of Polonius. Horatio is Hamlet’s friend from Wittenberg. The surviving people are Horatio and Fortinbras. Both the Danish ruling family and their advisors are destroyed.
The ghost of King Hamlet lingers because death occurred in sleep. He didn’t have a chance to have his sins forgiven. The cause was not a snake bite. It was murder by his brother Claudius. Claudius poured poison into his ear. Hamlet is asked to avenge this. Hamlet and Horatio study together in Wittenberg. After the king’s death, Hamlet returns to Elsinore. Claudius and Gertrude persuade him not to resume his studies.
So here we are standing before this depiction of Hamlet. Remember Shakespeare’s enduring exploration of human nature. Consider his tragic tale as you gaze upon this iconic figure in Hanover.