This book investigates the profound and often paradoxical relationship between language and action as depicted in Shakespeare's Hamlet. Harold Fisch, a noted literary critic, draws upon extensive textual analysis of the play and broader philosophical considerations of rhetoric and performance. The central argument posits that Hamlet's intellectualism and his struggle with language are not impediments to his action, but rather integral to the very nature of his tragic fate and the play's enduring power.

Harold Fisch's "Hamlet and the Word" is recognized as a significant contribution to Shakespearean scholarship, particularly for its nuanced exploration of language's role in the play. Critics have noted its intellectual rigor and the depth of its textual engagement. The work is considered essential reading for those interested in the philosophical and linguistic dimensions of Hamlet's character and the play's enduring impact.