Why Didn't Shakespeare Create a Continuation of Hamlet?

Shakespeare's Masterpiece: Hamlet, a Tragic Tale

The Bard of Avon, William Shakespeare, is undoubtedly one of the most influential authors in English literature. However, his iconic work Hamlet, Prince of Denmark concluded with the death of the titular character. Many are left wondering: Why didn't Shakespeare create a continuation of Hamlet? In this article, we will explore why such a continuation might not have been feasible and discuss the various ways Hamlet's story has been reimagined over the centuries.

Why a Continuation Might Have Been Difficult?

The concept of sequels was not as prevalent in the Elizabethan theatre as it is today. In the 16th and 17th centuries, theatrical narratives focused primarily on standalone stories that resolved naturally. The conclusion of Hamlet could not have sustained a sequel due to the death of the central character, Hamlet. This presents a significant obstacle for any form of continuation.

Elizabethan Theater and Continuation

Sequels were not a common practice during Shakespeare's time. Hamlet was a tragedy that concluded with the tragic death of the protagonist, making it challenging to extend the narrative beyond this point. Furthermore, the characters who played key roles, such as Hamlet himself, were deceased, which would have posed substantial difficulty in crafting a meaningful follow-up.

Alternatives to a Continuation

Instead of a direct continuation, several works have been created that explore the aftermath or recontextualize parts of Hamlet. These works often delve into the themes, characters, and events of the original play, but with a new perspective or a different narrative structure. One notable example is Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead by Tom Stoppard.

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead is a play that explores the lives of two minor characters from Hamlet. Originally narrators to Hamlet, they find themselves caught in a story where nothing happens. Their journey is characterized by a sense of existentialism and the exploration of the human condition, machines, and other themes that Vladimir and Estragon encounter in Waiting for Godot. This play is celebrated for its unique take on the Hamlet narrative and is considered a brilliant example of how to continue a story with dead characters.

Shakespeare's Artistic Integrity

William Shakespeare was known for his artistic integrity and the complete resolution of his narratives. In the case of Hamlet, it is evident that he had said everything he intended to say, leaving no room for a sequel. The play’s tragic arc is meticulously crafted to show the downfall of the protagonist and the resolution of the conflict. The final scene in Act V, Scene 2, where Hamlet dies, marks the end of a chapter in both the story and the play.

Historical Context of Hamlet

Shakespeare's historical plays often retold real events, which maintained a continuity in their storytelling. However, Hamlet is a tragic play that focuses on the psychological state of a single character. Once the story reaches its tragic conclusion, the narrative naturally comes to an end. Another play about a different person, although set in the same time period, would be a new story rather than a continuation of Hamlet's story.

Illustrations of Other Hamlet-Related Works

Mentions of sequels to Hamlet exist, but they are not direct continuations. One example is a play about Horatio, in which he is haunted by the ghosts of the dead characters. Another, "I Hate Hamlet," explores the perspective of actors performing the original play who are also haunted by ghosts. These works reflect the enduring influence of Hamlet while offering fresh interpretations of its themes.

A Weekend at Bernie's Crossover

One can imagine a crossover similar to A Weekend at Bernie's, where a man is killed and his girlfriend, along with her family members and his own parents, also meet unfortunate fates. Such a premise would result in a narrative that is fundamentally finished. The story would be over, making it impossible to continue.

Shakespeare’s Choice

Instead of creating a direct continuation, Shakespeare left his audience with a perfect conclusion to Hamlet. The 350 years that followed saw various interpretations and reimagining of the story. One notable example is Tom Stoppard's Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, which explores the lives of two minor characters from the original play. This work offers a unique and engaging perspective on the events leading up to and following Hamlet's death.

While it may seem challenging to continue a narrative that ends with the death of the main character, the storytelling of Shakespeare paved the way for future artists to reinterpret and explore the themes and ideas within the original work. Hamlet remains a timeless masterpiece, celebrated for its psychological depth and enduring impact on literature and theatre.