The Character Of Hamlet Essay Example

the afterlife. Thus, his choices were always subject to scrutiny. Despite being a prince, Hamlet's shyness and reluctance to be at the forefront of attention were also well-known.

By utilizing soliloquies, Shakespeare employs a powerful tool in revealing the inner thoughts of his characters. Hamlet's soliloquy is particularly revealing, as he admits to being "too much in the sun" and expresses feelings of dejection and disillusionment through various descriptive words. Beginning with an expression of desire - "O that this too too sullied flesh would melt, thaw, and resolve itself into a dew" - Hamlet's soliloquy allows for an intimate glimpse into his psyche.

It is apparent that Hamlet is viewed as a person who avoids taking on his obligations and responsibilities. He recognizes this flaw and communicates his desire to escape through suicide. However, he acknowledges the religious prohibition to steer clear of self-slaughter as dictated by God's laws: "That the Everlasting had not fixed his cannon 'gainst self-slaughter."

Hamlet expresses a sense of futility in life, where nothing seems to hold his interest and everything appears colorless and meaningless. His self-criticism becomes evident in his soliloquies when he describes himself as a "rogue and peasant slave," placing himself amongst the lowest social rank. Hamlet admits to being a coward and acknowledges that he merely speaks rather than taking action, stating, "unpack my heart with words."

Hamlet's audience is already familiar with his wish to commit suicide. However, he raises a more profound existential query in his soliloquy, "To be, or not to be-that is the question", which remains unanswered. Hamlet's escapism resurfaces as he again considers opting-out of life instead of avenging his father’s murder. As Hamlet

further questions whether he must remember, we see that he considers oblivion preferable to remembrance since remembering leads to grieving.

He ponders the notion of whether it's better to remain ignorant and oblivious to the events around him. He displays a keen sense of understanding of existence. His introspective thoughts generate a multitude of contradictory inquiries and, instead of confronting them and attaining resolutions, he chooses to relinquish his existence. He acknowledges that humanity endures numerous tribulations and succumbs to fate's whims ("the heartache and the thousand natural shocks that flesh is heir to"), yet he's also conscious that death is a "consummation devoutly to be wished".

The metaphor of death is akin to wishing to sleep, but the worry of "what dreams may come when we have shuffled off this mortal coil" also exists. Hamlet compares human life to a sorrowful mechanism. He ponders existence after death and searches for an answer. Finally, he concludes that it is better to endure present hardships "than to fly to others that we know not of". The known reality is that life is painful. However, life after death is an unknown realm, "an undiscovered country, from whose bourn no traveler returns".

Hamlet muses on the fear of the unknown that comes after death, which can make life's hardships seem preferable. Though he initially considers suicide, he ultimately decides to continue living despite feeling weighed down by conscience. The desire for revenge slowly dissipates as overthinking drains its energy. Throughout his speech, time is personified as a malevolent force that inflicts pain and torment, as Hamlet describes "the whips and scorns of time."

By stating that Hamlet embodies "native hue" in resolution

and determination, while death permeates his speeches and words with a death-wish, the audience is made aware of his inability to act. Furthermore, his soliloquies reflect the Elizabethan/Tudor concept of Divine Right of Kings, wherein the monarch is considered God's chosen ruler and regicide could have dire consequences for the state as a whole.

Hamlet's observation of Denmark as an "unweeded garden that grows no seed" during the Elizabethan era reflects the belief that society operated under a strict order, making regicide a violation of the social order. The decisions made by a king had an indirect impact on the state, with an inversion where inferiority was favored and "gross and rank" things held power. Hamlet uses this comparison to refer to Claudius, who he perceives as currently "possessing" the kingdom as king.

The concept of the Divine right of Kings during the Tudor era is apparent in this text. According to this belief, the King is not viewed as an individual but rather as a representative of the entire state. Hamlet is acutely aware of this fact and acknowledges how Claudius' marriage to his mother will bring no good as incest is deemed a cardinal sin. Hamlet believes that Denmark is ill due to the monarch's guilt. In Hamlet's last soliloquy, his mental stress is noticeable as he cannot escape his "dull revenge". Every situation around him reminds him of his dilemma, such as Fortinbras' gathering of an army for a valuable piece of land.

Hamlet admires Fortinbras, the impulsive Prince of Norway who doesn't hesitate to fight. Despite seeking inspiration from Fortinbras, Hamlet's deep philosophical nature prevents any significant change. Sensitivity is woven into Hamlet's

nature. Even though Fortinbras is willing to wage war against Denmark for a small piece of land described as an "eggshell" and a "straw", these become significant when honor is at stake, which Hamlet greatly admires.

While Fortinbras is a resolute man of action, determined to shape his future, Hamlet is a mere pawn at the whim of fate and haunted by thoughts of the afterlife. Despite assembling an army without a clear purpose, Fortinbras remains undaunted by danger, challenging death itself "for an eggshell". In contrast, Hamlet is consumed by his grief at the loss of his father and betrayal by his mother. Despite having a cause, he struggles to take action and is plagued by thoughts of the supernatural. However, at the end of his soliloquy, we witness a shift in Hamlet's mindset as he resolves to think more ruthlessly: "O, from this time forth, my thoughts be bloody, or be nothing worth!" These contrasting characters are compared throughout the play, with audiences privy to the protagonist's innermost thoughts through his soliloquies.

The soliloquies reveal that Hamlet is scholarly rather than princely and clashes with other characters besides Fortinbras, such as Laertes, Ophelia's brother and eventual assassin. Initially, Laertes is Hamlet's contrast, adversary, and opposite in character.

Laertes desired to savor existence completely, being carefree and worldly. While Hamlet aimed to further his education in Wittenberg, Laertes longed for a life of indulgence in France. It appears to the audience that Laertes only visited Denmark for the coronation and to showcase his allegiance to the newly crowned monarch.

When Laertes arrives in Denmark, he disturbs the leisurely lifestyle as he primarily desires to avenge his father's

death. In contrast, Hamlet's character differs from that of his friend Horatio, who serves as his role model, despite their childhood friendship and differing perspectives and temperaments.

Among the four young men, Horatio was considered the epitome of an ideal man due to his stoic attitude. Unlike other fickle individuals who are easily swayed by changing circumstances, Horatio remained consistent in his reactions. He didn't allow success or failure to overly affect him and could maintain a balance between his emotions and intellect.

At first, Horatio is depicted as a skeptic who does not trust the supernatural, while Prince Hamlet is a reflective character. Despite their dissimilarities, both individuals carefully observe their surroundings. Horatio remains composed and never makes rash judgments whereas Hamlet's disappointment with his mother causes him to lose faith in women completely.

Hamlet's lack of confidence in women was due to his mother's infidelity towards his father. Moreover, Ophelia did not assist him during his difficult phase. The betrayal by one woman resulted in Hamlet losing faith in all women, as evidenced by the well-known phrase: "Frailty, thy name is woman."

Hamlet reveals his familiarity with Gertrude's fickle emotions and draws a parallel with Niobe, who exhibited profound grief after the death of her husband. Hamlet notes that after Gertrude remarried Claudius, she showed a lack of mourning that not even an irrational animal would exhibit. The complexity of Hamlet's language in his soliloquies is reflected by the numerous riddles present.

Hamlet's speeches are emotionally charged due to his position as a prince of philosophy and the complicated situation he is in. Nevertheless, his language transforms throughout the play, gradually becoming more explicit with sexual

undertones until it becomes coarse and risque.

Hamlet's speeches reflect his views of the world. One instance of this is when he discusses his mother's fast marriage, using the phrase "O, most wicked speed, to post with such dexterity to incestuous sheets!" to convey his disapproval. He also directly mentions sex, stating that "she would hang on him as if increase of appetite had grown by what it fed on." Hamlet's speeches are filled with suggestions and emotional intensity, often burdened by his philosophy. His cynicism, especially towards Denmark and its people, also adds to the weight of his words.

Hamlet's speech is characterized by sarcasm, cynicism, and bitterness, and he struggles with procrastination and indecision. Some people view him as obsessive, while others suggest he may be experiencing psychoneurosis - an unconscious mental state that can either drive or hinder a person's actions. Shakespeare's portrayal of this condition is both skillful and insightful.

Throughout the play, audiences witness the transformation of Hamlet from a seemingly ordinary man seeking revenge to a complex, round character. The Hamlet at the beginning of the play is distinct from the one presented at the end. As a character, Hamlet embodies the concept of maniac depression as modern psychoanalysts understand it- he displays sentiments of self-loathing and disgust towards both himself and the world.

'Hamlet' narrates a poignant tale of a man who, despite possessing admirable qualities, is plagued by one flaw that renders him incapable of action. The play's philosophical musings leave the protagonist caught in a whirlwind, eliciting sympathy from the audience.