Quintessence of Dust: The Mystical Meaning of Hamlet - Paperback

by Kenneth K. C. Chan (Author)

Shakespeare's Hamlet contains a profound spiritual message for mankind that has been largely unrecognized for centuries. The meaning of Hamlet so perplexed critics over the last four hundred years that many finally concluded, after immense struggle, that the play lacks a binding philosophy. Nothing, in fact, is more wrong.

Quintessence of Dust now explains how Shakespeare meticulously crafted every scene to convey a central spiritual message, using three unique Shakespearean techniques: cohesive unity, thematic resonance, and focused allegorical scenes. It demonstrates that Hamlet is nothing short of an artistic miracle, reflected both in its poetic brilliance and in its profound meaning.

This book is written as a running commentary of the entire play so readers can follow the narrative of Hamlet like reading a novel. The increased understanding from the commentary intensifies the drama and reflects how Shakespeare conveys his spiritual message through our emotional involvement. It is akin to learning by direct experience-the initiatic quality that makes Shakespeare's plays an invaluable gift to humanity.