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I feel unworthy of being negative about a Shakespeare play. Surely I just don't understand or appreciate it, right? But it's quite incredible how much better this translates on stage than it does in book form. Normally, I adore reading Shakespeare, but the inconsistent and confusing characters in Hamlet really do operate as a template for directors to adjust to suit their own purposes. They certainly don't offer a satisfying read. This is the biggest example of a Shakespeare play that was adjusted so much in its performance stages that it lacks a standard form, and any edition in existence is going to be an unfortunate mishmash of ideas from different actors, directors, and editors. This appears to be why Polonius is both crafty and comical, why Fortinbras is both capable and confusing, and why the ghost may or may not have been genuine.
On a more positive note, for these reasons, it lends itself wonderfully to study and analysis. Probably more so than any other Shakespeare play.
On a more positive note, for these reasons, it lends itself wonderfully to study and analysis. Probably more so than any other Shakespeare play.