Timeline of Hamlet - Before the Beginning

[Ray Eston Smith]

Time-lines and summaries of Hamlet often leave out the most important point.

The most important point is that on the day Hamlet was born, his father killed old Fortinbras to gain some land that became Hamlet's inheritance and also became the question of the impending war. On that same day a gravedigger was hired.

For more on the all-important significance of this timing, please see the following very short essays:

http://www.thyorisons.com/#Terms_Compulsatory - Terms Compulsatory

http://www.thyorisons.com/#Inherit_Earth - To Inherit the Earth

http://www.thyorisons.com/#Womb - The Womb of Earth

http://www.thyorisons.com/#Chaste_Treasure - Chaste Treasure in the Womb of Earth

[Janine]

Thanks for the essays; will have to check them out when I have the time. I have always noted that fact; it is apparent in the gravedigger scene and it is also mentioned throughout the play that Hamlet's father took over the land from the former ruler. The fact is quite significant to the play. It's also significant that Hamlet's uncle is suring up defenses on land and sea, even if he ignores many of the signs of an impending take-over.

[Gladys]

The most important point is that on the day Hamlet was born, his father killed old Fortinbras to gain some land that became Hamlet's inheritance and also became the question of the impending war. On that same day a gravedigger was hired.

The very gravedigger who prepares a resting place for Ophelia and, a little later, for Hamlet himself?

He digs and sings

In youth, when I did love, did love,
Methought it was very sweet,
To contract, O, the time, for, ah, my behove,
O, methought, there was nothing meet...

But age, with his stealing steps,
Hath claw'd me in his clutch,
And hath shipped me intil the land,
As if I had never been such...

A pick-axe, and a spade, a spade,
For and a shrouding sheet:
O, a pit of clay for to be made
For such a guest is meet...

O, a pit of clay for to be made
For such a guest is meet.