The Shakespeare Conference: SHK 23.089  Tuesday, 6 March 2012

From:        Andrew Wilson < This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it >

Date:         March 6, 2012 12:56:21 AM EST

Subject:     Laertes, the Superior Fencer?

Has anyone here seen a production or read an interpretation of Hamlet that depicts Laertes as the clearly superior swordsman in the final scene, with the reason for Hamlet’s success in the first three bouts being that Laertes, knowing his sword is unbated and envenomed, can’t quite bring himself to stab Hamlet? 

Andrew Wilson