Hamlet (place)

About: Hamlet (place) is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 2771 publications have been published within this topic receiving 16301 citations.

The Tears of Narcissus: Melancholia and Masculinity in Early Modern Writing@@@Hamlet and Narcissus

Abstract: Introduction. 1. A writer reading: the theories of a 'Sinner With a Melancholic Humor' 2. Armida's lap, Erminia's tears: in the wake of paternity and figuration in the Gerusalemme liberata. 3. The mirror and the snake: the case of Marvell's 'unfortunate Lover' 4. Errors and dam('n)d confusions: Shakespearian subjects on trial 5. 'Hairy on the In-side:' The Duchess of Malfi and the body of Lycanthropy

"Apparel oft proclaims the man": Visualizing Hamlet on the Early Modern Stage

Abstract: Hamlet is replete with references to visual culture. Apparel, cosmetics, color, and accoutrements appear in the dialogue and stage directions of virtually every scene in Shakespeare’s longest play. These references are more than literary allusions. They are also markers that hint at the way Shakespeare’s original production was staged, seen, and understood in the early modern English theater. In recent years, scholars have addressed the importance that costumes served in establishing the visual world of performance on the Shakespearean stage. Interestingly, in these studies, Hamlet has received only passing attention. This lapse is surprising in light of Hamlet’s importance in literary history and even more surprising when we note the sheer number of visual references that appear in the play. Additionally, it should be acknowledged that more textual evidence exists to establish how Hamlet appeared on stage in the early 17 th century than there is for perhaps any other dramatic character in the period. Examining the play, we can determine how Hamlet was dressed from head to foot. Hamlet mentions his “inky cloak” and “customary suits of solemn black” while talking with his mother (1.2.76–78). 1 Additionally, if we trust Ophelia (and there is no reason at this point not to), his black apparel included a doublet, hat, and stockings with garters (2.1.75–78). Breeches would have accompanied the stockings. The shirt underneath his doublet is noted to be white, for Hamlet’s face was as pale as it is. Hamlet also wears a sword, for he draws the weapon at two different points in the play (1.5 and 3.4). He has a beard, for he mentions it in a soliloquy (2.2.506–08). 2 In the first quarto, Ophelia says that Hamlet’s shoes were untied (6.43–44). 3 Taken together, this information provides a fairly thorough image of the melancholy Dane.