Fasting and Feasting in Hamlet

A Carnivalesque Interpretation

Abstract

This paper aims at discussing the features of carnival in Shakespeare’s Hamlet by focusing on the notions of fasting and feasting in the drama. Carnivalesque interpretations tend to identify the characters of Hamlet and Claudius as the allegorical figures of Lent and Carnival, who during the course of the play also fight their combat. Since Lent and Carnival are primarily characterised by food-related metaphors and imagery linked with corporeality and eating, the paper restricts its scope to the investigation of gustatory conceits and their possible implications. First, it seems reasonable to outline briefly the critical background of carnivalesque interpretations of Shakespeare. Secondly, the paper attempts to establish its argumentation by placing the main characters into a carnivalesque context and, thirdly, the last section proposes to explore the rich variety of conceits related to incorporation. Hopefully, by the end the article will be able to justify its thesis and the validity of such a carnivalesque interpretation of Hamlet.