Hamlet and the Scottish Succession: Being an Examination of the Relations of the Play of Hamlet to the Scottish Succession and the Essex Conspiracy

by Winstanley, Lilian

• ISBN13: 9781107600638
• ISBN10: 1107600634
• Edition: Revised
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2012-02-02
• Publisher: Cambridge Univ Pr

Summary

First published in 1921, this volume constitutes an attempt to view Hamlet in the light of contemporary history, pointing out possible links between the action of the play and the surrounding context of its creation. Given the lack of biographical material on Shakespeare and the consequent mystery surrounding his intentions, attention is focused on the relationship between the play and its potential audience. Through this approach an unusual thesis is developed, one in which the play is seen as casting a positive light on the Essex conspiracy and the future succession of James I. This is a fascinating and controversial study that will be of value to anyone with an interest in Shakespeare, Elizabethan and Jacobean history, or literary criticism.

Table of Contents

Preface

Introduction

Richard II and Hamlet

Hamlet and the Darnley murder

James I and Hamlet

'The play within a play' and Hamlet's voyage to England

Polonius, Rizzio and Burleigh

Ophelia

Hamlet and Essex

Conclusion

Appendices

Index

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