Hamlet the Obese?

A critical excerpt by E. Vale Blake, circa 1880, brings a new element to the discussion of Hamlet, one which could make for very interesting casting some day.  With the ubiquitous discussions of public health, it is even timely.  Hamlet's psychological problems had a physical cause--he was fat!

The author bases his assertions on literal translations of Shakespeare's text, coupled with scientific analysis.  His primary evidence is Gertrude's line at V, ii, 300:  "He's fat and scant of breath!"  From this, Blake offers several other lines which could be understood to be discussions of Hamlet's weight.

• "to grunt and sweat under a weary life" (III, i, 85)
• "too, too solid flesh" (I, ii, 135)
• "in this distracted globe" (globe meaning a corpulent person) (I, v, 104)
• "to shatter all his bulk" (II, i, 106)

And so forth...

I find his review far-fetched to say the least.  It would make for an interesting variation on the Hamlet theme, though.  Imagine a production in which Hamlet becomes the poster child for healthy eating and exercise, complete with public service announcements!

From "The Impediment of Adipose," Popular Science Monthly, XVII (May 1880).