Style in Hamlet

Shakespeare intended his plays to be seen, not read. With this thought uppermost in mind, Charney offers here a provocative analysis of Hamlet, the most stylistically inventive of all Shakespeare’s plays, strictly in terms of its style-by which he means the distinct modes of expression used by the playwright in accomplishing his dramatic ends. Careful consideration is given to the stagecraft of the play, to lighting and sound effects, gesture and scenery. The play’s imagery is discussed with attention to its style as well as to its content. Each of the three main characters is examined in terms of his unique mode of expression. Among the interesting discoveries this approach allows is a new perspective on the character of Hamlet, who is found to have four distinct styles which he employs as the occasion demands.

Originally published in 1969.

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