This is a post that I sent to The Wittenberg list and to the Hamlet web page: I point out that a leader must take charge and rectify the crimes that he has authority over. Hamlet, though not elected (double meaning) is by default and revelation that leader.
>> To: "Walther Library -- Concordia Theo. Seminary"
>> Subject: Re: Luther vs.Calvin
>>
>> Dear respected Wittenbergers,
>>
>> I approch this subject strictly as a student of literature, with no offence
>> intended and little presumption of erudition. With your permission:
>>
>> One might say that as he is perceived by Shakspeare the Reformation
>> Protestant, who is Hamlet felt himself to be under siege on two fronts:
>> externally by the Catholic church and its materialism (allegorically his
>> mother) and internally by the attack upon his soul dealt by doctrine that
>> is applied too severely: However no matter how faulty his orientation it
>> was a necessary prelude to the truth, for,
>>
>> " If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets they will pay no heed
>> even if someone should rise from the dead" Luke 16:3
>>
>> Hamlet's "sweet religion " includes the Calvinistic anticipation of
>> 'election'. It is this that makes Hamlet's loath to stain himself by what
>> is perceived as pagan revenge', a sin. But his father's, the king's
>> injunction is really based upon scripture:
>>
>> "... if a man has the presumption to kill another by treachery you may take
>> him even from my altar to be put to death" Ex. 21:12
>>
>> It can only be Hamlet who has that authority. But he is paralyzed and his
>> searing doubts cause him to weep, before the image of Pyrrhus (pyrrhonism).
>> Only Horatio is there for him (transfigured from Sebastian Castellio, an
>> "antique Roman") with his requirements of reason and judgment.
>>
>> Hamlet's confusion reaches a climax when he plots to commit the real sin of
>> supplanting God's judgment by wanting to execute Claudius at a time that
>> will damn his SOUL , rather than obeying the commandment quoted above.
>>
>> However Hamlet is saved. The Lutheran epiphany takes place in Gertrude's
>> closet when after killing Polonious unintentionally, he begs for
>> forgiveness, and so acknowledge his own sinfulness. He then is free to
>> assume the attributes of his savior and do good works. Thus in "Hamlet" we
>> have Lutheranism triumphing over a misleading Calvinism.
>>
>> Florence Amit
>> ================================================================
>
Posted by Florence Amit on March 29, 1997 at 20:58:48
In Reply to "Hamlet and Religion" posted by Aragorn on March 29, 1997 at 18:55:08
