Poem Analysis - Hamlet As Told On The Street

Shel Silverstein's "Hamlet As Told On The Street" is a humorous and irreverent retelling of Shakespeare's classic tragedy. The poem adopts a streetwise, contemporary tone, using slang and vulgar language to satirize the original play's complex themes and characters. While the poem initially maintains a lighthearted and comedic mood, it gradually acknowledges the darkness and tragic consequences inherent in the narrative. The humor serves as a vehicle to make the story more accessible while simultaneously commenting on the absurdity of the characters' actions and the inevitability of their doom. Silverstein’s version both honors and mocks the original.

From Elsinore Castle to the Street Corner: Relatability and Tone

Silverstein replaces the eloquent language of Shakespeare with blunt, modern slang. This immediately establishes a tone that is both humorous and accessible. Phrases like "motherfuckin' thing," "sweet Prince," and "this shit" bring the lofty tragedy down to earth, making it relatable to a contemporary audience unfamiliar with Shakespearean English. This shift in language highlights the absurdity of the characters' actions. The guards are not noble sentinels but "leadin' on their spears, not lookin' for no hassle, havin' themselves a brew or two." This informality underscores the poem's satirical intent, deflating the seriousness of the original play. The overall effect is that of a comedic, almost cartoonish, summary of a complex and tragic narrative.

The Perils of Indecision: Hamlet’s Procrastination

One of the central themes of Shakespeare’s Hamlet is the paralyzing effect of indecision. Silverstein’s poem encapsulates this theme through the vivid portrayal of Hamlet’s inaction. After being told by the ghost of the king to "revenge me on this harlot and this knave" it takes a while for Hamlet to act. The poem hilariously depicts his dithering, "I mean the dude is indecisive, he don't know how he'd like his eggs, and he's got no opinion on tits, ass or legs." This comedic exaggeration underscores the tragic consequences of Hamlet’s hesitation. His inability to make decisions leads to a chain of events culminating in the deaths of nearly every character in the play. The poem implies that Hamlet's procrastination is not merely a personal flaw, but a catalyst for destruction. In this poem, Hamlet's ultimate demise is a direct consequence of his inability to act decisively, a fate sealed by his own internal conflict and inaction.

The Rot in Denmark: Corruption and Moral Decay

Shakespeare's "Something is rotten in the state of Denmark" is one of the play's most iconic quotes and represents the pervading atmosphere of corruption and moral decay. Silverstein captures this theme through both direct references and subtle implications. The ghost's revelation of his murder and Gertrude's hasty marriage to Claudius set the stage for this corruption. The modern language amplifies the moral decay, making it more shocking and immediate. Claudius is not just a king, he is a "motherfuckin' king", and Gertrude is not just a queen but someone who is doing "somethin' sinful to your momma." The "boils on his ass" line is not in the original text but is a sign of corruption in the poem. The use of contemporary vulgarities emphasizes the depth of the moral decay within the Danish court, suggesting that corruption is not limited to specific acts but permeates the entire society.

A Grim Conclusion: The Inevitability of Tragedy

While much of the poem is humorous, it acknowledges the inevitable tragic conclusion of the story. The final chaotic scene, where "every motherfucker's dead," underscores the devastating consequences of revenge, betrayal, and indecision. The arrival of Fortinbras and his bewildered reaction ("I have never seen such a fuckin' mess") provides a final moment of dark comedy, highlighting the sheer absurdity of the carnage. The poem's closing lines, "the moral of the story is bells do get out of tune… and you can find shit in a silver spoon… and an old man's revenge can be a young man's ruin… Oh - and never look too close… at what your mamma is doin'," offer a cynical reflection on the themes of the play. These "morals" are presented in a casual, almost flippant manner, underscoring the idea that tragedy is often the result of human flaws and the inevitable messiness of life. Despite the humor, the poem ultimately acknowledges the profound sense of loss and the senselessness of the deaths, reminding us that even in the most comical retellings, the core of tragedy remains.