In Shakespeare's Hamlet, the relationship between Hamlet and Horatio, like many Shakespearean relationships, is left somewhat ambiguous. The play includes very few stage directions, and no character notes.
They can be, and are usually interpreted and performed as, very close - yet platonic - friends, almost brothers. This is a very viable interpretation, and one that I quite like and appreciate.
HOWEVER, as always, old Bill has left a lot of room to interpret: Hamlet is often talking of his love for Horatio, how he holds him deeply in his heart, Horatio addresses Hamlet fondly with phrases such as "my sweet lord." And gods know, a stage or film production could add any sort of blocking and direction and interpretation of emotion they pleased (as many fans on the internet rather irreverently do ^_^' ).
Therefore, I propose that Hamlet and Horatio's relationship may contain or could be interpreted as having a homosexual context (keeping in mind that some say Shakespeare himself may have been gay or bisexual), whether overt or through subtle undertones.
What is your opinion on this?
What interpretation do you prefer?
Also, how would you feel upon watching a production in which this is the interpretation?
Tell me what you think!