Author & Affiliation
Mohammed Mohsin Miyan
The Head & Associate Professor
Department of English
Asian University of Bangladesh (AUB)
The Head & Associate Professor
Department of English
Asian University of Bangladesh (AUB)
Publication Info
Journal: Asian Review
Publisher: Asian University of Bangladesh
Vol: 3 | 2014
Publisher: Asian University of Bangladesh
Vol: 3 | 2014
Abstract
This research delves into the elements of sensationalism within William Shakespeare’s "Hamlet," examining how the playwright utilizes intense emotional appeal and shocking plot devices to engage the Elizabethan audience. While "Hamlet" is often celebrated for its profound philosophical introspection and psychological depth, this study highlights its roots in the "Revenge Tragedy" tradition, where sensationalist elements like the appearance of a ghost, feigned madness, gruesome violence, and multiple deaths are central. The analysis focuses on how Shakespeare elevates these sensational tropes beyond mere spectacle, integrating them into the moral and political decay of Elsinore. Themes of regicide, incest, and public execution are discussed as sensationalist conduits that reflect the underlying anxieties of the period. The study argues that the sensationalism in "Hamlet" is not merely a commercial tool for theatrical success but is strategically employed to externalize the protagonist's internal turmoil. By juxtaposing the sensational with the intellectual, Shakespeare creates a unique dramatic tension that remains resonant. The paper concludes that the enduring popularity of the play lies in its ability to satisfy the human appetite for the extraordinary and the tragic, while simultaneously offering a sophisticated critique of human action and hesitation. Through this retrospect, the research reaffirms "Hamlet" as a masterpiece that successfully bridges the gap between high intellectualism and the popular sensationalism of its time.
Keywords: Shakespeare, Hamlet, Sensationalism, Revenge Tragedy, Elizabethan Drama, Regicide.