(Gregory Doran) Tennant is Hamlet.
- characterisation of Horatio
- passive nature of Horatio’s character
- Horatio’s concern for Hamlet is particularly shown in the last scene as Hamlet is dying:
- He listens intently and accepts Hamlet’s dying wishes and promises to perform them
Act 1 Scene 1: “Thou art a scholar,…”
Marcellus to Horatio: “Thou art a scholar, speak to it Horatio.”
- officers of the guard are dependent on Horatio and trust him because he is an academic
- demand Horatio to act first, in response to the appearance of the Ghost
(Gregory Doran) Tennant is Hamlet.
- Horatio’s reaction towards the ghost
- crosses himself and holds prayer beads at the sight of the Ghost
- religious man = an open-mind despite studying Philosophy
- encourages one to question and challenge beliefs and religion
(Simon Godwin) RSC ‘Hamlet’, 2016
- contrasting characterisation of Horatio
- an immature and a rather loud man
- People’s respect for Horatio is greatly implied within the text; however, Barnardo does not seem to react to Horatio in this way
- Visually, his greater physicality immediately positions Horatio as a weaker man
- Barnardo’s interaction with Horatio does not depict the difference in status between them
- inaccurate representation of how Horatio is a scholar whereas Barnardo is a watch guard
Horatio is a trusted man and loyal friend to Hamlet, first meeting in play: “Hail…
- first meeting in the play is formal and presents him as being aware of Hamlet’s higher royal status: “Hail to your Lordship.”
- This proper and orderly welcome is not suggestive of their close friendship; thus, the audience only become aware of this when Hamlet proclaims Horatio “[his] good friend”.
- loyalty / respect first before friendship - trustworthy
Kenneth Branagh’s film adaptation
- Horatio’s sincerity to Hamlet
- Horatio moves Hamlet to a different room so that they can speak of the Ghost in complete privacy
- This also shows Horatio’s loyalty to Hamlet and concern that the court is not a confidential place
- Horatio is very aware of the corruption that is threaded through the leaders of Denmark
(Gregory Doran) Tennant is Hamlet.
- Hamlet and Horatio’s close friendship in scene before Players perform
- Horatio allows Hamlet to fix his bow-tie in a brotherly way, while listening intently to what he is saying: “Here sweet Lord, at your service.”
- Interestingly, many of Horatio’s lines are cut from this adaptation = Horatio is a passive and obedient character and servant to Hamlet rather than having initiative and thoughts of his own
Hamlet’s last conversation is with most loyal friend Horatio. What are Horatio’s words just after Hamlet’s death?
- Doran’s adaptation in this scene vs.
- RSC theatre adaptation
“Now cracks a noble heart. Good night sweet prince”
=> Hamlet’s death greatly impacts Horatio, proving his genuine concern for his friend
Doran’s (Tennant) adaptation:
- heartfelt and brotherly - he hugs Hamlet’s body close to his, and sobs gently into his shoulder.
Contrastingly in Godwin’s theatre production:
- Horatio’s response seems melodramatic and unrealistic
- H loudly cries out/groans while shaking and sobbing violently, and holding Hamlet’s body in his arms. - plays Horatio too young and child-like to cope maturely in such a situation
Last Scene, describing scene around him
“Carnal, bloody and unnatural acts”
