Creation of Modern National Identity in Shakespeare’s Hamlet and Njegoš’s Mountain Wreath

Abstract

This study aims to compare and contrast the creation of English and Serbian national identities in Shakespeare’s and Njegoš’s classic literary works. Both pieces, Hamlet and The Mountain Wreath, were composed during the rise of the respective modern states, and both evoke the essence of the common perception of national cultures. While in some scholarly works a parallel between the vacillation of Bishop Danilo, one of the major characters in The Mountain Wreath, and of Hamlet has been drawn, and the formulation of national strife in Njegoš’s work established, the latter quality has never been assigned to Shakespeare’s tragedy, and a comparative study between the two masterpieces has not been conducted. In order to establish the characteristics of English and Serbian cultural identities, several models for analysing culture, determining cultural types and discerning their values are used, most notably those of Edward T. Hall, Geert Hofstede and Richard D. Lewis. Further, certain traits of the major protagonists and principle notions presented in the plays as bearers of the national spirit are identified. Finally, assessment of the works’ significance and cultural stature is provided. Examination of the values, thought patterns and beliefs behind the behaviours of the main characters reveal that the plot and dialogues in Hamlet epitomise notions of individualism and dichotomy of mind and body, while in The Mountain Wreath they embody the ideas of collectivism and the union of mind and body. By exploring esthetic, ethnic and social idiosyncrasies, this paper seeks to make a contribution to both literary criticism and cultural theory.