The Shakespeare Conference: SHK 15.1804  Friday, 1 October 2004

From:           Kenneth Chan <
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Date:           Friday, 01 Oct 2004 01:17:27 +0800
Subject: 15.1795 The Meaning of Hamlet
Comment:        Re: SHK 15.1795 The Meaning of Hamlet

Colin Cox writes:

 >"I don't know that he questions the delay is because of cowardice as much
 >as he asks am I not a coward for having delayed."

I agree it may be interpreted this way. Nonetheless, it still makes the
point that the need for proof is not the main reason for the delay. If
Hamlet had been delaying because of the lack of proof and he now
questions it (by asking whether or not it is cowardly for having
delayed), he should then follow up by debating whether or not concrete
proof is all that important. He does not do so.

Hamlet does not even mention the need for proof in the other soliloquy
on the delay. There, he again appears not to know why he delayed. In his
own words: "I do not know why yet I live to say this thing's to do, Sith
I have cause, and will, and strength, and means to do't." If Hamlet had
been delaying because of the lack of proof, why would he say this?

Regards,
Kenneth Chan
http://www.hamlet.vze.com

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