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A DRAMATIC CRITIC
that Hamlet is not essentially heroic, and,
on the contrary, is a "character part."
That Hamlet is eminently picturesque is
obvious; that he is not a character of sus-
tained passion is equally obvious, inasmuch
as infirmity of will is his chief moral trait.
At all events, it is certain that Mr. Irving
follows the lighter method in his impersonation,
and that his success in it is won
chiefly through the variety, vivacity, and
delicacy with which he represents the picturesque
side of the Prince's nature. Upon
a review of Mr. Irving's efforts, it will
even be seen, not only that he has no
capacity for displaying vigorous, sustained
passion, but that he never attains a lofty,
emotional pitch, even for a moment. In all
his performances, I can recall but one instance
to the contrary, and that, as all my
readers know, occurs just before the close
of the " play scene " in Hamlet, where his
snaky wriggle towards the King, his scream
of triumph and wrath, and his frenzied but
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