Determining the best version of Hamlet to read can depend on several factors, such as your familiarity with Shakespearean language, your interest in additional materials, such as criticism and sources, or your desire to dive deeply into the text plus the historical and cultural context. The market offers a myriad of editions tailored to different readers’ needs.
Available Versions
RSC (Royal Shakespeare Company) Shakespeare edition is recommended for newcomers to Shakespeare. It combines annotations with exhaustive insights into the play’s performance history and Shakespeare’s theatrical career. It also offers a detailed chronology of Shakespeare’s works and key historical activities.
Readers interested in a less beginner-friendly version might find the Penguin Shakespeare satisfactory. Although the edition provides comprehensive notes and well-detailed introductions, they are not considered as user-friendly as the RSC version.
The Norton Critical Editions, on the other hand, are suitable for those who wish to explore Shakespeare’s sources, relevant contemporary texts, and a selection of criticism. The edition’s extra material significantly outweighs the annotations, making it an enriching choice.
For the more advanced readers, the Oxford, Cambridge, and Arden editions offer lengthy introductions, detailed annotations, and references to sources. The Oxford Shakespeare is often praised for its high quality across all plays.
Modern Adaptations
Modern film adaptations of Hamlet also provide an alternative way to appreciate the play. The 1996 version directed by Kenneth Branagh stands out for being faithful to the original play, with the inclusion of all of Shakespeare’s text. However, it is worth noting that its nearly four-hour-long runtime derives from the additional flashbacks not in the play.
The Hamlet 2000 directed by Michael Almereyda and starring Ethan Hawke and Julia Stiles cleverly translates the play into a modern setting. The Denmark Corporation replaces the kingdom of Denmark, which gave a unique and contemporary touch to the storyline.
Alternative Forms of the Play
Another variant of Hamlet to consider is the First Quarto version, also referred to as the “bad quarto”, it may represent an alternative form of the play. Despite being the shortest version of Hamlet, it has distinctive characteristics, including unique sequences and character developments differing from other versions. However, it’s worth noting that its credibility remains a topic of debate among scholars.
Conclusion
Choosing the best version of Hamlet depends primarily on your familiarity with Shakespeare and the depth you wish to delve into the play. From beginner-friendly versions like the RSC to more advanced ones like the Arden, the right edition is out there, waiting to be uncovered. Modern film adaptations provide a more accessible approach to appreciate the storyline, while other forms of the play such as the First Quarto remain a viable option for a unique reading experience. Ultimately, you should choose the version that will make your journey through this masterpiece as enriching and enjoyable as possible.