Hamlet and the Educational Climate in Wittenberg

Wittenberg, a renowned university during the Reformation, was known for its vibrant intellectual discourse, particularly in the context of the growing theological controversies sparked by Martin Luther. When William Shakespeare wrote Hamlet in the late 1500s, the religious milieu of Wittenberg was at a critical juncture. Despite the university’s prominence, the precise language used in academic settings remains a subject of scholarly debate. Was knowledge of German necessary for a student like Hamlet, or was everything conducted in Latin, the lingua franca of scholarly discourse during that era?

Latin as the Language of Academia

University records and contemporary literature, such as Samuel Lewkenor’s Discourse on Foreign Cities, portray Wittenberg’s academic rigor. Classes would have been conducted in Latin, reflecting the deep-seated tradition of Latin as the primary language of education and scholarship. This linguistic requirement suggests that a thorough understanding of Latin was paramount for students aspiring to study at such a renowned institution.

Geopolitical and Philosophical Context

It is intriguing to consider the reasons behind Shakespeare’s choice of Wittenberg for Hamlet. The proximity to Denmark could have played a role, but there was likely a deeper relevance to the university’s cultural and ideological landscape. During the same period, Christopher Marlowe, another prominent playwright, penned The Tragical History of Dr. Faustus, which also implicated Wittenberg. This raises the question of whether Shakespeare was reflecting on the clash of ideas and values that were increasingly prevalent during the Reformation period.

Hamlet’s Academic and Personal Struggles

Hamlet’s character is emblematic of the intellectual and spiritual turmoil of the time. His interactions with Ophelia, particularly the suggestion to join a convent, reveal a man grappling with complex and often contradictory emotions. Hamlet’s solution-focused and analytical approach to problems, evident in his philosophical debates, possibly indicates his training to be a clergyman. These dialogues may also reflect a spiritual crisis, a “Dark Night of the Soul” as suggested by some interpretations.

The Scholarly Controversy and Personal Experiences

My own scholarly work on Hamlet during my university days provides a compelling personal angle to this historical debate. While writing a paper on Hamlet’s education at Wittenberg, I was intrigued by the absence of direct references to the religious strife under Henry VIII. This partly motivated me to explore the possibility that Hamlet was studying to become a clergyman, embroiled in a personal crisis of faith.

My professor, a Neo-Marxist, faced off against my interpretation, assigning a poor grade of C-. The disagreement led to a period of personal protest, where I continued to attend class despite not participating in any discussions. The experience was traumatic, and my GPA suffered significantly. This incident underscores the deep ideological divides that were shaping academic discourse at the time, with universities like Simon Fraser University (SFU) being hotbeds of leftist thinking and other institutions moving in more conservative directions.

Lessons from the Dispute

Reflecting on this experience provides valuable insights into the academic debates and personal challenges faced by scholars. Despite the academic and personal turmoil, the rich tapestry of ideas and debates surrounding Wittenberg during the Reformation continues to enrich our understanding of Hamlet and the cultural context of the time.

Overall, the study of Hamlet in the context of Wittenberg offers a fascinating glimpse into the intellectual, religious, and personal challenges of the late 16th century. Whether Hamlet spoke German or studied in Latin, the cultural and philosophical currents of the time have left an indelible mark on both the play and the discourse surrounding it.