We do not expect that two plays [Loot and Hamlet] which at first sight seem to have nothing whatsoever in common should be based upon practically the same plot situation. Yet there are not only other surprising parallels and links between Hamlet and Loot but also illuminating affinities of Ortonian farce and Jacobean tragedy … which are even more remarkable. (p. 202)

In Hamlet and Loot exactly the same issue is commented upon—the discrepancy between genuine, private emotions and feelings expressed publicly towards the deceased. As might be expected, the manner in which this idea is conveyed is very different. Whereas in Hamlet there is a straight-forward and serious statement, the social criticism of Loot is implied by the author's irony aiming at a different initial response from the audience: laughter. However, because Hamlet often resorts to irony and sarcasm, we may find a number of instances in which...