Reader-Response Theory Texts - Hamlet by William Shakespeare (1603)

Hamlet, the prince of procrastinators, can't get his act together to avenge his father's murder. Makes us feel better about procrastinating on our school work!

Question 1: Why do you think critics of different times and ages have found this play so fascinating? Why, from a Reader-Response perspective, do you think the play has such a hold on its readers?

Question 2: Hamlet's been the focus of psychoanalytic readings that emphasize the Oedipal Complex. Where does an Oedipal reading of the play leave women readers? Do you think that women readers relate differently to the play than men do? If so, how and why?