Bounded in a Nutshell: Hamlet's Revenge from Two Perspectives - 03

Shakespeare’s Hamlet has been subjected to countless iterations since it was written approximately 416 years ago. Why not try another? In 2016, Ian McEwan penned a delightful short novel, entitled Nutshell, in which an unborn Hamlet speaks to us, contemplating “to be or not to be” from a uniquely different vantage point. This study group will first examine the text of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, focusing closely on its language, to view the character and his predicament as freshly as possible without the burden of opinions that scholars and critics have mercilessly imposed upon the poor fellow. Once we’ve read what Shakespeare had to say, we will read Nutshell. Murder and revenge twice-told! Echoes of the original play thread through McEwan’s novel, considered a little masterpiece in itself, bringing Hamlet back to the day of his birth. What fun! Required material: William Shakespeare, Hamlet; Ian McEwan, Nutshell; $5.00 (Used)

Bounded in a Nutshell: Hamlet’s Revenge from Two Perspectives
Linda O’Brien, OLLI Member
8 Fridays, 10am - 12pm (3/29, 4/5, 4/12, 4/19, 4/26, 5/3, 5/10, 5/17)
Class will be held in-person at Tufts Medford/Somerville Campus