The Hamlet Podcast Episode 70 - Who Calls Me Villain?
Jan 14, 2019
Dive into Hamlet's inner turmoil as he compares himself to the First Player, revealing his self-reproach and feelings of impotence. The podcast explores whether Hamlet is a coward, questioning why he’s not confronted more directly. He laments his 'pigeon-livered' nature, attributing his inaction to a lack of bile. The discussion intensifies with Hamlet's violent fantasies about Claudius, filled with brutal imagery and a litany of insults. This exploration of character and motive is both thought-provoking and darkly entertaining.
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Hamlet's Self-Condemnation Reveals Paralysis
- Hamlet berates himself as a "dull and muddy-mettled rascal" to express deep self-disgust and inaction.
- Conor Hanratty explains this as Hamlet feeling morally and energetically stuck despite a clear cause for revenge.
Words Reveal Hamlet's Ineffectiveness
- The verb "peak" (P-E) means to mope or sneak, highlighting Hamlet's ineffective behaviour rather than passive observation.
- Hanratty links "John of Dreams" and "unpregnant of my cause" to show Hamlet's sense of emptiness despite motive.
The Public Shame Question
- Hamlet questions his courage directly with "Am I a coward?" and imagines physical humiliation he expects for his failure.
- Hanratty suggests this addresses both Hamlet's self-doubt and an implied challenge to the audience or society.