Hamlet and Narcissus

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The book explores the evolution of psychoanalytic theory since 1949, particularly its application to Shakespearean scholarship. John Russell critiques traditional interpretations of Hamlet's delay by integrating contemporary psychoanalytic concepts, notably Margaret Mahler's and Heinz Kohut's theories. He argues that Hamlet's conflicting attachments to his mother and father stem from the same deep-seated narcissistic needs, ultimately leading to his tragic downfall. By reconceptualizing these dynamics, Russell offers a fresh perspective on Hamlet's motivations and a new approach to literary criticism.