Though Hamlet rambles and Lear rages, And all the drop scenes drop at once Upon a hundred thousand stages, It cannot grow by an inch or an ounce.

The Paradox of Permanence

The core of Auden’s observation lies in the distinction between the artwork and its interpretation. Hamlet and Lear, as literary creations, are fixed entities. Shakespeare wrote specific words, crafted specific characters, and established a specific narrative arc. These elements do not alter, regardless of how many actors embody Hamlet’s melancholy or how many directors interpret Lear’s descent into madness. The “hundred thousand stages” represent the countless performances, each a unique instantiation of the play, yet none fundamentally change the play itself.

Reasons for the Unchanging Text

Several factors contribute to this unchanging quality:

• The Nature of Language: The power of language lies in its precision. Shakespeare’s language, while open to interpretation, retains its core meaning. The words themselves are the foundation of the work.
• Authorial Intent: While debates about authorial intent exist, the original text represents the author’s initial vision. Substantial alterations would constitute a new work, rather than a continuation of the original.
• The Role of Tradition: Great works of literature become part of a cultural tradition. This tradition demands fidelity to the original text, preserving its integrity for future generations. Radical changes are often met with resistance.
• The Universal Themes: The enduring appeal of Hamlet and Lear stems from their exploration of universal themes – mortality, ambition, justice, and suffering. These themes transcend time and culture, making the plays perpetually relevant. The unchanging text allows these themes to continue resonating.

Implications of Artistic Permanence

The poem’s assertion has significant implications. It suggests that art provides a stable point of reference in a constantly changing world. While societies evolve and values shift, the great works of literature remain, offering insights into the enduring aspects of the human condition. This permanence allows for a dialogue across generations, as each new audience brings its own perspective to the text.

The Contrast with Performance

The poem deliberately contrasts the unchanging text with the dynamic nature of performance. Each performance is a re-creation, influenced by the actors, the director, the audience, and the prevailing cultural climate. This fluidity is essential to the vitality of theatre, but it does not alter the underlying work. Consider, for example, different productions of *Hamlet* – some emphasize the political intrigue, others the psychological torment, and still others the romantic elements. These variations enrich our understanding of the play, but they do not change the text itself.

The Limitations of Art

However, the poem also subtly acknowledges the limitations of art. While the plays can be performed endlessly, they cannot physically “grow by an inch or an ounce.” They remain confined to the realm of representation, unable to directly impact the world. This is not necessarily a negative attribute; rather, it highlights the unique power of art to offer contemplation and insight, rather than direct intervention.