Pullman herald. [volume] (Pullman, W.T. [Wash.]) 1888-1989, 1915-04-16
DR.. BRUCE MGCULLY
ANALYzES HAMLET
Discusses Character of Central
Figure of Play Soon to BE Pre-
scented at the College
Editor of The Herald;

Editor of The Herald:
The character of Hamlet has oc.
casioned more debate In literary and
dramatic circles than almost any
other problem that can be named. II
seems desirable therefore, in view
of the approaching presentation OF
the play, that statemeng OF the
consensus OF opinion among critics
I've given to the public at this time.
This letter may be regarded. then,
as a cue designed to bring about an
effective cooperation between actors
and audience.
The question why does not Ham
let kill the king?" raises the issue in
definite terms. He has every rea-
son for killing him; the kings muir
der of his royal brother, Hamlet S
father, his adulterous intrigue with
the queen (obscured though it VISA
by the much emphasized "o'er hasty
marriageD his thrusting aside
Hamlet's claims in order to mount
the throne himself-on every count
King Claudius is worthy of death;
and to crown all the ghost of his
revered father has come from the
grave and laid on the young prince
the duty of vengeance. Hamlet has
every motive and abundant oppor-
tunity; why does he not kill him?
Mentally and morally Hamlet is
of the finest grain. The discovery Of
iniquity rampant in the world
around him, iniquity complacent in
It's occupacy of the highest places in
spite of its grossness. has on his
mind an overwhelmingly depressing
effect. He is plunged into what the
men of Shakespeare's day thought
of as intense melancholy" Pur-
poseful action becomes for him a
practical impossibility, not because
physical strength and ability fails
lin periods of excitement he shows
tremendous capacity for action)
but because the ends to be attained
through action do not appeal. In
place of healthy and healthfuI &C
ton we see utter and inexpressible
WEAKNESS and sickness of heart. The
entire world has become foul and
corrupt; how hopeless, how profit
less any attempt to set it right!
Then, is Hamlet mad?" In re-
action from his utter detection the
prince shows at times an uncontrol-
liable excitement, a condition more
or less hysterical. Also, to protect
himself until he can bring the mat
ter Of the kings guilt to test and
shape plans for vengeance. he
chooses to put an antic disposition
on" to assume the character and
privileges of a mailman. But of men
tai arrangement in any ordinary
sense he shows no trace.
why does Hamlet turn against
Ophelia?" The infidelity of the
queen and the sensuality of nature
revealed in the undignified haste of
her second marriage induces a loath-
ing and distrust of all womankind.
Frailty's very name is woman.
Against this loathing and distrust
the princes genuine love for the
pretty daughter of the kings chief
minister of state can make no head
the poison that has come into life
will not be cast out; it destroys them
both.
The play is, then, in its essence
tragedy of character Noble in his
nature and of unmatched sensitive
ness in his perception of moral
values as Hamlet is, it is this very
nobility and sensitiveness, or per-
haps better the excess of it, that
makes him unfit to cope with the
realities of the world. 1t is the de-
foct of his excellence that leads to his
destruction.
BRUCE McCULLY.