If Hamlet were Macbeth, the irony and the contradiction at the heart of Shakespearean morality

Hooded warrior confronting shadowy enemies in a ruined theater

Hamlet leaves a trail of bodies in his wake not because he is a monster like Macbeth, but because he is less of one, displaying hesitancy at the thought of killing his uncle for whatever reason as most of us probably would in a similar circumstance. If Hamlet were Macbeth, the tragedy never would have… Continue reading If Hamlet were Macbeth, the irony and the contradiction at the heart of Shakespearean morality

I could be bounded in a nutshell, Shakespeare’s genius in three cryptic phrases

In one sense, Hamlet spins out the statement in a play of words, not intended to have any logical meaning, but to confuse his audience, hiding his real thoughts beneath the mask of insanity.  In another, it contains the meaning of the entire play and Macbeth besides. O God, I could be bounded in a… Continue reading I could be bounded in a nutshell, Shakespeare’s genius in three cryptic phrases

This Christmas let thinking make it so and be merry from the inside out

Hamlet’s lessons for a happy holiday season and a successful life in general.  Who knew Shakespeare’s tragic Danish Prince could offer such good advice on positive mental health while careening towards a bloody end for him and his entire family? “There is nothing either good or bad, thinking makes it so.”  Hamlet speaks these few… Continue reading This Christmas let thinking make it so and be merry from the inside out