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In the Book of Acts Chapter 9 (KJV) the future Apostle Paul was asked by someone eminently in authority to know why he enjoyed the hardy sport of kicking against the pricks (goads) which I always thought an odd statement but most of the Lord Christ's questions seem that way at first reading and non-consideration backed up by lack of prayer and proper study. Many a misinformed congregation goes astray when these simple measures for Bible study aren't looked after. Rattlesnake handling indeed!!

In a move designed more to improve my post count and put off that annoying Litnet reminder of non-participation and lack of concern for the general welfare here then any real attempt at critical input I bashed Hamlet and walked away feeling smug until the total ignoring of my unenlightened viewpoint left me abashed. I deleted the comment while leaving a clue to my real feelings in the why did you edit your sterling prose block--usual answer is sloppy typing but I liked what I wrote instead borrowing the epithet from wessexgirl or whoever she was. Apologies to her but really really too lazy to go back and check and risk losing what I've already typed.

Hamlet always seems bulletproof when discussing. There seems to be a moral imperative to claim IT as the best there ever was and will be from the busy pen of the revered William. My personal favorite in my admitedly short readings is Macbeth which I made no great secret of. Those that are most familar with me would acknowledge The Avengers as my choice of fast action stories.

In fact I blame Spider-man for my attitude about Hamlet. Knowledgeable readers of his early adventures would see most issues ending with Peter Parker alone and forlorn having won hollow victories and going over the very bad day he just barely fought his way thru. Then hit the streets again next issue with a firm sense of his responsibilities towards society.

As usual in my younger days I took careful note of this. Was okay to whine as long as you got back on your feet and did the right thing ANYWAY. Now a days I take a bit longer about it. When I bother.

Now by the time High School got around to studying Hamlet I had been indoctrinated strongly in this mindset. Hearing that Hamlet had ghosts, murders and swordfights was a good selling point. This would have been during my Sabatini collecting days and loving Errol Flynn swashbucklers. Instead I get Hamlet spending an inordinate amount of time trying to decide what, if anything he should do about his life surroundings. The turning point for me was killing Polonius. It didn't help that I was playing that part in the English class readings and I was far from getting good lines here and I'm written out way too soon. But to be killed so ignominously by this whiny puppy. Sigh. My mind is made up about the play pretty much from that day on.

Next year Macbeth was studied with so much more enthusiasm. Bad decision making but like Victor Von Doom--once made--never look back. The fact that Lady Macbeth could teach my mother some tricks was a bonus.

I try not to think too much about Othello and his form of making your marriage work through experienced marriage counselors like Iago.