Friendship in Hamlet

摘要: In 1958, Harry Levin reported that in the previous sixty years a new item of Hamlet commentary had been issued every twelve days.1 By now rate must be something closer to hours or minutes. My chief justification for adding one more straw camel's back rests on surprising fact friendship crucial concern classical and Renaissance thinkers has not received much explicit systematic attention as an important pervasive theme Shakespeare's great tragedy. Inevitably topic is raised usually passing discussions Horatio Rosencrantz Guildenstern, but it sustained exploration.2 immediate purpose merely show does run throughout entire play appears even where might seem present only slightly. While trying establish its general importance, I also hope focus few scenes characters some detail, well discuss broader terms how concerns with help enrich his tragedy.3 seems at least part very about friendship: finding, making, losing, keeping friends. It explores, from numerous perspectives, most significant inherently complex human relationships relationship particularly fascinating thinkers, many whom (in words Clifford Davidson) "is radiant ideal expression necessary kind good will makes society cohesive."4