To the poet, no doubt, it was not so. The words by which he alludes
to this episode in his life come from his very heart, and were written
for the purpose of reproving the conduct of the public in regard to
himself.
'Hamlet' was composed in the atmosphere of this literary feud, from
which we draw confirmatory proof that our theory stands on the solid
ground of historical fact.
Even should our endeavour to finally solve the great problem of
'Hamlet' be made in vain, we believe we shall at least have pointed
out a way on which others might be more successful. In contradistinction
to the manner hitherto in use of drawing conclusions from impressions
only, our own matter-of-fact attempt will have this advantage, that the
time spent in it will not be wholly wasted; for, in looking round on
the scene of that eventful century, we shall become more intimate with
its literature and the characters of Shakspere's contemporaries.
Before entering upon the theme itself, it is necessary to cast a rapid
glance at the condition of the dramatic art of that period.
1: 'Enlarged to almost as much-againe as it was.'
2: Act ii. sc. 2.
II.
THE BEGINNINGS OF THE ENGLISH DRAMA.
THE STAGE A MEDIUM FOR POLITICAL AND RELIGIOUS CONTROVERSIES.
SHAKSPERE'S POLITICAL CREED.
FLORIO'S TRANSLATION OF MONTAIGNE'S ESSAYS.
Long before Shakspere, perhaps with fardel on his back, travelled to
London, the stage, not only in the capital, but in the whole country,
had begun to exercise its attractive power upon the people's imagination.
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