Discuss the significance of names in the novel overall, including the interchangeable spelling of "Hamnet" and "Hamlet." Who is afforded their own name, and who is known exclusively by their relation to others?
Created: 06/16/22
Replies: 4
Join Date: 10/15/10
Posts: 2951
Discuss the significance of names in the novel overall, including the interchangeable spelling of "Hamnet" and "Hamlet." Who is afforded their own name, and who is known exclusively by their relation to others?
Join Date: 01/15/21
Posts: 3
I noticed almost immediately that the most well-known person in this cast of characters is referred to by pronouns or his connection to others in the family. I wasn’t sure at first but came to appreciate the author’s choice with the focus on the creative backstory of the most famous playwright of all time. The author explained early that these two names are interchangeable like Charlie or Chuck these days. I felt it gave Hamnet his own standing, with his father using the second option.
Join Date: 04/07/12
Posts: 194
Yes, I agree with Jane. This book was meant to explore Shakespeare’s family, his relationship with his wife, his time away from his family. Most especially I think the author wanted to explore Anne’s life, or Agnes as we know her in the book - her attraction to Shakespeare, Agnes’s relationship with her stepmother and brother, her life with her married family, her role as a mother, and also as a healer in her community.
Join Date: 07/16/14
Posts: 328
Join Date: 04/18/12
Posts: 73
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