A View of the Views about Hamlet by Albert H. Tolman - Notes

Albert H. Tolman's essay from PMLA, 1898, aims to classify and interpret existing essays on Hamlet, rather than introduce a new one.
Tolman focuses on the central mystery: Why does Hamlet delay in avenging his father's murder?
Three questions are addressed:
- Possible explanations for Hamlet's procrastination.
- Existing critical theories about the play.
- Compatibility and conflict among various explanations.

The ghost of Hamlet's father gives a threefold command:
- Revenge his foul and most unnatural murder
- Taint not thy mind
- Nor let thy soul contrive against thy mother aught. (I, v, 23-86)
Emphasis is on the first command, revenge.
Ethical presuppositions: Should Hamlet accept immediate, violent revenge as his duty?
Some critics emphasize the Ghost's command, viewing Hamlet as living when blood-revenge was unquestioned.
Task is