Paul Adrian Fried / HAMLET'S BIBLE

Shakespeare’s Hamlet doesn’t merely have a number of allusions to prophets among its many biblical allusions; the play may serve as a reflection on what it means to be prophetic, and to strive to be more effectively and authentically prophetic, for both individuals and for art, and perhaps especially in politically dangerous contexts.  What does it help to oppose immoral and criminal behavior among the powerful, or in a corrupt system, if the result is that one’s life is snuffed out without reforming the corruption one spoke out against? What does it help to claim one is a prophet, sent to correct injustices and corruption, if one is part of the corruption (prince Hamlet in a reckless moment kills Polonius), or if one drives people away (Hamlet bids Ophelia get to a nunnery, offends his mother and uncle) instead of winning them over to one’s view? (In this way, many prophets are dismissed because they are imperfect messengers. Instead of heeding or debating the message, the st...

In the fall of 1979, Hamlet Studies published a wonderful essay by William Rossky of Temple University titled, "Hamlet as Jeremiah." You can find it here: look for the October 1979 Volume 1.2 . The list of essays below that October issue seems to have the numbering wrong, as 2.1 instead of 1.2, so look for this: Rossky, William. “Hamlet as Jeremiah.” Hamlet Studies 1.2. (1979): 101-108. I have posted in the past on this blog regarding Jonah ( here and here ), and also  John the Baptist (a prophet figure from the Christian scriptures, or "New Testament"), as well as  the prophet Nathan in the King David stories of the Hebrew scriptures (or "Old Testament"). But Rossky's essay wonderfully makes clear that ideas and language from the Book of Jeremiah also influenced the language and ideas of the play. [The Prophet Jerimiah, painted by Michelangelo, circa 1508-12, Sistine Chapel, Vatican Palace, Vatican City; photo public domain by The Yorck Pro...