Hamlet on the Metro

Where one reads Hamlet has a large impact on how they absorb the text, and weigh its importance/relevance to the present day. Attempting to read Shakespeare on a train, I found myself lethargic to continue reading after only a few lines. To me, the play seemed irrelevant when I was in an environment of busy, anxious commuters whose focus was on modern woes [like the economy affecting their business]. I did some eavesdropping (hard not to on a train) to see if any conversations reflected the themes of the play – they didn’t. When I read the play alone in a peaceful environment however, I am able to absorb the text with great imagination – acting out the scenes in my head.

(Photo shopped by myself)