Hamlet vs Don Quixote (Shakespeare vs Cervante)

Summary

In this video, Ivan Turgenev's 1860 speech is explored, contrasting Shakespeare's introspective Hamlet with Cervantes' action-driven Don Quixote. The script delves into mind-body dualism in European philosophy, suggesting these characters represent two extremes of human nature. It also examines their impact on Russian literature, the 'superfluous Hamlet' type, and Dostoevsky's anti-intellectualism. The modern education system, rooted in Northern European pragmatism, is critiqued for nurturing a predominantly Hamlet-like populace, overthinking rather than acting boldly like Don Quixote.

Takeaways

• 📚 Ivan Turgenev compared Hamlet and Don Quixote in an 1860 speech, highlighting their differences as representations of the mind-body dualism.
• 🎭 Hamlet, a Nordic character, is a thinker who lives in his head, while Don Quixote, a Southern European, is an action-oriented character.
• 📖 Both characters originate from works published in 1605, considered pinnacles of English and Spanish literature respectively.
• 🤔 Hamlet is known for his introspection and analysis, whereas Don Quixote is known for his impulsive actions and idealism.
• 🧠 Western philosophy's mind-body dualism is reflected in these characters, with Hamlet embodying the mind and Don Quixote the body.
• 🇷🇺 Turgenev's comparison influenced the depiction of characters in Russian literature, such as the 'superfluous man' and Dostoevsky's anti-intellectualism.
• 🏫 The modern education system, rooted in Northern European pragmatism, has fostered a Hamlet-like mentality focused on analysis over action.
• 🌐 Today, most people identify with Hamlet's overthinking nature, contrasting with the rarer Don Quixote-like individuals who act boldly.
• 🎭 Cervantes' creation, Don Quixote, is seen as an inventor of actions, while Shakespeare's Hamlet is viewed as a user of such actions.
• 💭 The script suggests that self-imposed suppression of our 'Don Quixote' side leads to unhappiness and depression in modern society.

Q & A

Who are the two famous literary characters compared by Ivan Turgenev in his 1860 speech?

Ivan Turgenev compared Hamlet, the prince of Denmark from Shakespeare's play, and Don Quixote, the knight errant from Cervantes' novel.

What are the key differences between Hamlet and Don Quixote as described by Turgenev?

Hamlet is a Nordic man who lives in his head, questions and analyzes everything, while Don Quixote is a Southern European man who lives in his body, questions nothing, and lives by his actions.

In what year were both 'Hamlet' and 'Don Quixote' published?

Both 'Hamlet' and 'Don Quixote' were published in the same year, 1605.

What is the main theme of 'Don Quixote' according to the script?

The main theme of 'Don Quixote' is about a man who, after reading chivalric tales, decides to become a knight himself, leading to various comic misadventures and physical pain, but he is driven by passion and energy.

How does the script describe the relationship between Hamlet and his lover Ophelia compared to Don Quixote and his lover Dulcinea?

Hamlet's love for Ophelia is depicted as not real but opportunistic, while Don Quixote's love for the non-existent Dulcinea is real and idealistic.

What is the mind-body dualism discussed in the script, and how do Hamlet and Don Quixote represent it?

Mind-body dualism is the concept that the mind and body are separate entities. Hamlet represents the thinking end of the spectrum, while Don Quixote symbolizes the action-oriented end.

How does the script suggest that modern education has influenced our personalities?

The script suggests that the modern education system, a product of Northern European capitalism, has turned us into Hamlet-type personalities who mostly live in our heads.

What influence do Hamlet and Don Quixote have on Russian literature according to the script?

The script discusses how Russian literature has been influenced by the characters of Hamlet and Don Quixote, particularly through the depiction of the 'superfluous man' and Dostoevsky's anti-intellectualism.

How does the script contrast the attitudes of Hamlet and Don Quixote towards failure and pain?

Hamlet is portrayed as a complainer who tortures his mind with psychological pain, while Don Quixote endures physical pain without complaint, always ready for another adventure.

What does the script suggest about the current state of society in relation to the characters of Hamlet and Don Quixote?

The script suggests that most people in modern society have become Hamlet types, overthinking and hesitating to take risks, unlike the few who act like Don Quixote, such as athletes, comedians, and entrepreneurs.

What does the script imply about the human desire to be more like Don Quixote?

The script implies that people are drawn to Don Quixote's character because he represents a simpler, more idealistic view of the world, akin to our own childhood dreams and desires.