The Hamlet Podcast Episode 07 - The Cock Crows
Sep 24, 2017
Delve into the haunting world of Shakespeare as fear and bravery intertwine in darkened Denmark. Explore the eerie encounter with a ghost and unravel the deep symbolism of the crowing rooster that heralds the dawn. Discover how language evolves and the historical context influences characters' reactions to the supernatural. Witness a pivotal moment for Horatio and the soldiers as they confront the complexities of myth and reality, celebrating the tension between fear and rational thought.
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Apparition Referred To As 'It'
- The watchmen call the apparition an "it," reflecting doubt about its identity despite its likeness to the dead king.
- This linguistic distance shows the men's struggle to accept a supernatural reality in a rational world.
Prompt Book Notes The Cock's Crow
- A surviving prompt book warned an actor "for one ready to crow to prepare," showing a historical stage direction for the cock's cry.
- Conor imagines the actor proudly claiming, "I played the crow in Hamlet."
Staging Heightens The Ghost's Ambiguity
- Shakespeare stages the ghost's exits so characters see it in different places, heightening uncertainty about its reality.
- Productions use sound, lighting, or multiple performers to exploit that staged ambiguity.