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Line 2672-2672+1 - Commentary Note (CN) More Information

Notes for lines 2023-2950 ed. Frank N. Clary
For explanation of sigla, such as jen, see the editions bib.
2672 Or not at all. <Enter Rosincrane.>4.3.11
2672+1 {Enter Rosencraus and all the rest.}
1958 mun
mun: xref.
2672+1 Munro (ed. 1958): “Hamlet, however, a prince, would be guarded by a person of rank and Guildenstern’s officiating in this manner, leading up to his and Rosencrantz’s function in conducting Hamlet to England, is part of Hamlet’s case against them. Cf. [5.2.57 (3560)].”
1980 pen2
pen2
2672 Spencer (ed. 1980): SD and all the rest] “(probably, in Shakespeare’s theatre, any extras who could be spared to stand in as courtiers).”
1982 ard2
ard2: Dover Wilson, Granville-Barker, Munro; xrefs.
2672+1 Jenkins (ed. 1982): “In Q2 ‘and all the rest’ must be taken along with ‘They enter’ after 2680, the second entry being really covered by the first. Since Rosencrantz is specified at [4.3.11 (2672)] and Hamlet is brought in by others at [4.3.15 (2680)], the only problem of ‘the rest’ concerns Guildenstern. In leaving Rosencrantz unaccompanied and reducing Hamlet’s escort to Guildenstern alone, Fs economy is at its most ruthless; and its division of this pair—though written into the dialogue, still followed by most editors (with Dover Wilson as a notable exception), and defended by Granville-Barker (Prefaces, iii.126) and Munro—cannot be what Shakespeare envisaged. The pair are never otherwise separated on stage and although only one speaks here, his we in [4.3.13 (2675)] shows that there are as usual two bodies with one voice. The pair enter together to report, while their assistants, in charge of Hamlet, wait without till called for.”
1985 cam4
cam4: xref.
2672-2672+1 Edwards (ed. 1985): “Q2’s addition ‘and all the rest’ must have struck the playhouse scribe as contradicting ‘They enter’ at [4.3.15 (2680)]. As usual, he reduced the crowd, and he made Rosencrantz call for Guildenstern at [4.3.15 (2680)]. I accept F’s view that Guildenstern remains guarding Hamlet.”
2672 2672+1