General Physicality:
* Melancholy and pensive: Hamlet's famous "to be or not to be" soliloquy highlights his introspective nature. This is often translated into a slumped posture, downcast eyes, and a slow, deliberate gait.
* Intellectually sharp but emotionally fragile: The text portrays Hamlet as a quick-witted, brilliant individual. However, his emotional turmoil and inner conflict often lead to erratic behavior and impulsive actions. This could be reflected in his physicality as a blend of intensity and vulnerability.
* Youthful and capable: Despite his melancholic nature, Hamlet is still a young man, capable of quick movement and agility. This could be shown in his sword fights and quick shifts in mood.
Specific Clues:
* "The antic disposition": Hamlet's feigned madness is often portrayed physically, with erratic behavior, exaggerated gestures, and an unpredictable demeanor.
* "O, that this too too solid flesh would melt": This famous line suggests a weariness with the physical world and a desire to transcend it. Actors might portray this through a gaunt appearance, a weariness in their movements, or a sense of detachment.
* "The play's the thing / Wherein I'll catch the conscience of the King": Hamlet's manipulation of others often involves physical theatricality. Actors might use dramatic pauses, exaggerated facial expressions, and physical manipulations to emphasize his cunning.
Interpretations:
* Romanticism: Often portrays Hamlet as a sensitive, brooding soul, with a delicate frame and pale complexion.
* Modernism: Might emphasize Hamlet's inner turmoil through a more contemporary, angular physicality, reflecting the anxieties of the modern world.
* Realistic: Could focus on a grounded, believable human portrayal, with a physicality that avoids extremes and emphasizes emotional nuance.
Ultimately, Hamlet's physicality is open to interpretation. Actors and directors use their own creativity and understanding of the text to bring Hamlet to life on stage.