Why is Hamlet so famous?

Why is Hamlet so famous?

The tragedy of Hamlet has been around since what is believed to be about 1599. So exactly why has this play been around for so long? Perhaps the most famous quotation comes from the existential dilemma that causes Hamlet to question whether he should continue living or just quit? Put into Shakespeare's brilliant language, Hamlet says, "To be or not to be, that is the question."(Shakespeare). As Hamlet is having trouble in life, he is able to show the voice of a problem that still confronts a large amount of people today. Other than the ever so popular quote, Hamlet really grabs the audience into the play. With ghosts, betrayal, madness, murder, and the famous bloodbath that takes place in the end, Hamlet would even be a major hit in Hollywood today. Yet another reason Hamlet remains around today, is that it brings up so many questions that are still debated today. For example, "To be or not to be, that is the question."(Shakespeare). Well we know the question but what is the answer. Although the book can hint at what the answer is believed to be, it is truly up to the audience to decide for themselves. Furthermore, the tragic play brings about questions of religion, philosophical issues, political issues, psychoanalytical issues, and also feminist issues.

'Because of you' By Cathy Maxwell opening

'The persistent banging woke Samantha Northrup from a sound sleep. She lay in bed, hoping it was only another of the vicarage's many loose shuttersbeing buffeted against the side of the house by north wind. A visitor in the middle of the night meant bad news'

This first opening drew me in to the story because it triggers questions in your mind before you even reach the second paragraph. It makes you wonder who this man knocking on the door is; why they're knocking on the door and also why so late. I think this is a very clever way of starting a book because it makes the reader want to read on and find out all these unanswered questions in. Another reason I found this opening interesting is because of the reference to the weather. This instantly builds tension in your min and gets you to imagine the hauling of the wind in the middle of the night. It is sort of a gothic description.