2. Hamlet and Toxic Masculinity

Major public figures, in conversation with Professor Emma Smith, explore whether Shakespeare might help us resolve some challenging contemporary issues.

Emma sets out to persuade Will Self that the kind of toxic masculinity expressed by the self-professed misogynist Andrew Tate finds a chilling counterpart in the misogynist play and character, Hamlet.

Initially, Will is not convinced, but a lively discussion ensues in which the two agree on one thing - the profound impact in Shakespeare’s era of non-gendered child-rearing until the age of seven followed by the “breeching” of boys, which separated them from women and children into their adult lives.

With contributions from Professor Paul Prescott.

Producer: Beaty Rubens

Made to mark the 400th anniversary of the First Folio.

A Just Radio production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in May 2023.