HAMLET:
As Modern as Today
Find me an involved Shakespearean student who does not find interest in Hamlet,
and I will find you a member of Congress who does not like money. It is as simple as that.
Just thinking about the Bard's tale of sadness and revenge makes the hairs on the nape of
my neck stand up and tingle. Who out there in the modern world is not familiar with the
ever-so-famous line "To be, or not to be?" I should hope that every high school student is
somewhat knowledgeable as to where that originated from. If not, it indicates a failure on
their teacher's behalf.
Hamlet. One word that inspires a million emotions and feelings in anyone that
hears it uttered. What English student isn't familiar with this classic tale of a prince gone
mad? So many different aspects of today's society can be picked out of this story.
Revenge, betrayal, sorrow, insanity, lust, greed, and despair are only a select few. The
aspect of revenge is most evident in the story, seemingly so because two young men are
both on the race to avenge the death of their father.
I myself am in love with Shakespeare's works. From Henry V to Much Ado
About Nothing, I find his stories entertaining as well as fascinating. I realize that all of his
works aren't original, but the way he presents them is just breathtaking. His vernacular as
well as his diction encompasses the power to hold the reader spellbound. I believe that if a
woman approached me, speaking like Ophelia does, I would fall head over heels for her.
That is, if she were presentable enough. Come, now...I'm not shallow, but I have my
stipulations!
Although Hamlet is not my all-time favorite Shakespearean work, it ranks
extremely high on my list. The themes present in the story are easily understandable, as
well as related to. Who, in their life, has never dreamed of getting even with someone
because they have wronged you in some way? I'm...