Exploring Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' and the Dream Motif in His Works

Recently, a colleague expressed concern over the interpretation of Hamlet as a play rooted in the dreams of the central character. I must respectfully disagree, as there is no substantial evidence within the text to support such an interpretation, and there is historical precedent that disputes this view.

According to traditional scholarship, Shakespeare adapted the story of Hamlet from a French work by Fran?ois de Belleforest and the play The Mousetrap by Thomas Kyd. The Danish prince's story, filled with hesitation and grief, was reimagined by Shakespeare to depict a character struggling with profound internal conflict and agonizing regret. It is unlikely that Shakespeare intended for Hamlet to be a dream, as the play concludes dramatically with the main character's death, a scenario that defies more dream-like narratives.

Despite this, it is important to recognize that Shakespeare's plays are highly versatile and offer multiple interpretive possibilities. Any director, whether contemporary or historical, has the right to interpret the text in different ways, even in the case of Hamlet. In fact, such interpretive freedom is a hallmark of his work, reflecting the complexity and depth of his storytelling.

Other Shakespearean Plays with Dream Motifs

While Hamlet may not be a play of dreams, there are other works by Shakespeare that easily lend themselves to this interpretive motif. A Midsummer Night's Dream is a prime example of a play that can be seen as a series of dreams. The entire play takes place within a dream, with Bottom's dream standing as the central narrative thread. Similarly, Macbeth could be considered a dream sequence, with its dark and nightmarish qualities. Lastly, The Tempest also fits the dream motif well, particularly with the famous line: "We are such stuff as dreams are made on."

These plays all share the common theme of dreaming or the perception of reality, much like how our own consciousness shapes our experiences. In Shakespeare's plays, the distinction between reality and dreams often blurs, providing a rich and multifaceted exploration of human nature and the human condition.

Understanding Reality Through Dream Symbols

Reflecting on the dream motif in Shakespeare's works, one can extend the concept to our daily lives. We often seek clarity and understanding, and one way to achieve this is through the practice of meditation. Meditation can help clear our minds of stress and reveal deeper truths. Here are some steps to begin your meditation practice:

Find a quiet place where you can sit without disturbance.

Position yourself comfortably, whether sitting or lying down.

Close your eyes to help focus your mind.

Begin to repeat the mantra "OM" or any word that resonates with you. This serves as an anchor for your thoughts.

Allow thoughts and feelings to come and go naturally. Do not judge or pursue them; simply observe them passively.

If you find your mind wandering, gently return to your mantra. Consistency is key in this practice.

Maintain this practice for 20 minutes, both in the morning and evening.

Meditation can help us understand and appreciate the deeper layers of reality, much like how the dream motif in Shakespeare's works reveals the complexity of the human soul. By embracing both the tangible world and the realm of dreams, we can gain a richer perspective on life and its many possibilities.