Critical Essay On Hamlet

This essay will discuss several literary criticisms of Shakespeare's Hamlet. After skimming through several articles, I ended up with four peer–reviewed journal articles, each a different critical perspectives of the play: feminist, psychoanalytical/freudian, moral, and new historicism. My previous studies of Hamlet, as well as my rereading of the play this semester, has collectively given me a general knowledge of the text. My familiarity of the play made it easier for me to decipher the academic journals and see the connections each critic made with the play. I found it interesting, that after reading Hamlet so many times, that there were connections I never made on my own. For instance, the character Francisco only...show more content...

I enjoyed this moral critique, and, assuming Shakespeare intended for his audience to make the connection, gives me a better understanding of the playwright's own morality. Looking at the play through this moralistic perspective, Claudius's actions would be defined as immoral: he violates a general moral principle by killing his brother and then again by taking what belonged to the King and made it his without permission. The murdered king does reappear, however, as a a ghost. The ghost in Hamlet is the subject of many literary critiques; in my research I came across two articles in particular about this topic that caught my interest. In particular, Zimmerman's article explores Kristeva theory of abjection. The reaction from a threatening breakdown in meaning caused by the loss of the ability to distinguish between subject/self and object/other. The human corpse is one of the most common causes of this reaction because it reminds the living of their own materiality. Upon reading this I was able to relate it to Hamlet as Zimmerman did, "When the ghost first appears, he comes encased in armor, a "portentous figure," a "fair and warlike form" (1.1.112, 50). What lies behind the armor is of course a corpse: if what makes Hamlet Sr. seem alive is his battle–ready fierceness, then what makes him an "illusion" is the mystery within. "no/thing," an apprehensible outside enclosing and Get

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Response Literary Criticism – Hamlet on Film

1.The author's thesis was, "Campbell focuses on the initiatory paradigms of universal myths and formulates the hero's rite of passage into three major stages: 'separation [departure]–initiation [action]–return [reflection]' (Campbell 30) (Khoury 1)."

2.Yvette K. Khoury did give enough convincing evidence to support her thesis. A convincing example of this would be when she said, "... Christopher Vogler who applies Campbell's theories, 'The Adventure of the Hero,' to protagonists of several modem films ranging from Pulp Fiction to Star Wars" (1). This was a piece of supporting evidence because Christopher Vogler is a development executive who makes screenwriters of several protagonists and thus, implements Campbell's theories.

3. An example of a direct quotation used by the author would be, "Olivier's Hamlet gives the impression of going to take some action as he says, 'Or to take arms against a sea of troubles / And by opposing end them' (3.1.59–60)" (4).

a.Is the quotation from a primary or secondary source?

The first part of the quotation (that is said by the author) is from a secondary source. The second part of the quotation, is from a primary source (Hamlet).

b.The direct quotation is used to compare the slight differences that Olivier's version of Hamlet (1948) had. It is used to illustrate the points that were different.

c.The author uses both, full sentences/lines of 59–60 in Act 3 Scene 1 of Hamlet.

d.The quotation is in fact, incorporated into the author's sentences, as the author gave a little bit of background information, before introducing the quotation.

e.The parenthetical citations for Hamlet differ from those of the secondary sources because Hamlet is a play, and thus, the parenthesis must include the act number, scene, and line number(s). Whereas citing from a secondary source, the parenthesis must include the author's last name, and page number(s).

4.There were some confusing parts in the essay that there should have been additional information to fully understand. An example of this would be when the author said, "Each of the four Hamlet films considered in this paper locates its interpretation of Hamlet into a very specific historical

Critical Analysis Of Hamlet

Anna Ault 1st period 12/11/17

Hamlet Critical Read

One of the world's most renowned tragedies of all time is none other than Shakespeare's "Hamlet" written at the beginning of the 15th century. For hundreds of years, Scholars have taken different approaches to this play leading to a large variety of views and opinions on how it should be interpreted.This paper will explore five of the most popular approaches to Shakespeare's masterpiece:Traditional tragedy,Catholic / religious,Freudian,feminist approach, and historical approach. The first approach is the ВЁTraditional TragedyВЁ. Within one of these tragedies, it is the main protagonist who is seeking revenge. The literal main plot of this play, is the protagonist (Hamlet), seeks revenge on his murderous uncle in honor of his father. This approach is quite literally in direct correspondence with the play. For all we know, Hamlet is probably one of the very first so called "traditional tragedies". This play could be considered the epitome of traditional tragedies (written in the English language) being that the content of the play itself is indeed most tragic along with the fact that this particular story is more than likely the spark that inspired many tragedies to follow, in a way making it the one of the "original"tragedies.Of course, it wasn't the first... Shakespeare was influenced largely by the greeks, from which some of the very first tragedies EVER were

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Critical Analysis of Shakespeare's Hamlet

What is mans' purpose in life? Is there a purpose? If there isn't, then is it wise to end it, despite the fact that there might be nothing better? In Hamlet, by William Shakespeare, Hamlet struggles with these and other issues. He states that the question of life is "To be, or not to be...?" Is existence really worth the troubles of life? In this monologue, Hamlet is wondering what is his purpose. He asserts that the only reason people endure their horrible lives is the uncertainty of what lies after death. "Who would fardels bear, to grunt and sweat under a weary life, but that the dread of something after death..." Is it noble to suffer, and islife worth all its misery? Hamlet...show more content...

Hamlet's mother has just lost a husband, his uncle is worried and guilt–stricken over the terrible crime he committed of murdering his brother, and Ophelia, Hamlet's lover, is miserable because her half–witted father has forbidden her to see Hamlet. This soliloquy pertanes not only to Hamlet, but to virtually all the characters in the play. All the characters are "bear[ing] the whips and scorns" of their piteous lives.

The monologue is not only relevant to the characters in Hamlet, but to all people. Many people feel at some point that their lives are not worth living . They may question if life has a purpose, and whether or not they are serving that purpose. It is quite easy to relate to Hamlet's feelings of woe and uncertainty. This is what makes Hamlet timeless. No matter what century, country, or person, everyone has experienced to some degree what Hamlet endured. Perhaps someone has just lost a father, or undergone a divorce. They could relate to Hamlet's misery. They may not contemplate suicide, as is what is sometimes believed about Hamlet, but they do have questions about life, and the afterlife. Shakespeare uses Hamlet's feelings to express his own, as well as those of all people. Because of this, Hamlet has become a classic.

Hamlet's character represents people in all circumstances. He questions everything, and has experienced love, hate, betrayal, depression, grief, and anger. He is sometimes Get more content

Critical Evaluation Of Hamlet

Within my personal opinion, William Shakespeare, an English poet, actor, and playwrighter, has composed some of the most astonishing plays: Hamlet above all the others. Hamlet is filled with piercing emotions, and startling suffering, which in the end makes it a marvously classic. The play deals with the suffering Hamlet, who seemingly has one misfortune after another. The death of his father strikes him, only to be followed by his mother marrying his uncle not but two months later. This is not only perplexing to the prince but to some of his closest friends. After discovering the truth behind his father's death and his mother's hasty remarriage, Hamlet is sent into a sorrowful madness, which I believe the film captured quite well.

I have rarely seen performers give the play justice, as people tend to simply read the words, neglecting all emotion. It is in actuallity this very emotion that makes the play such a fasinating experience. On this note, the film take on Hamlet had me at first concerned however, it was pleasently surprising. Most of the cast, Gibson especially, gave such powerful life to the charcters, you could feel the hatred, the love, and the sorrow from their bold portrayal of their characters.

It was amazing to watch Hamlet's interraction with the other characters, Gibson doesn't give a melancholy, bland Hamlet, just darkened by his life and bewailed by his fate. He gives you emotion, and doesn't seem to simply be reading the lines like insipid words

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Hamlet Literary Analysis Essay

During the early 1600s, a time of unrest and uncertainty spread through most of the world specifically in Europe as it began to see a gradual insurgency of leadership as new monarchs rose to great power as the existent ones faded. The legitimacy to how some new rulers gained their prestigious power came into question as tales of treason especially within families spread rapidly.William Shakespeare, having grown up near this time period was influenced by his surroundings and similar works such as histoires Tragiques, that inspired his workHamlet. Although there are various views and opinions surrounding Hamlet as a whole, it is a great tragedy which centers itself on one's own uncertainty and depicts seeking revenge as a major theme. These main topics are further discussed in the works or Kiernan Ryan and the British Library in "Hamlet and Revenge", as well as "Hamlet in Purgatory" by Stephen Greenblatt. The main character, Hamlet however is both the protagonist and the tragic hero as the story unfolds. Hamlet is torn between his own conscience as expresses in his ongoing soliloquies and in doing what he believes is right opposed to seeking revenge, which leads him to being indecisive on his actions taken due to influence caused by those around him. Throughout the play, Hamlet's soliloquies entrap his motives and at times leave him stuck without a clear path to take. This is evident even from his first soliloquy As Hamlet thinks "That this too too solid flesh would melt, Thaw and resolve itself into dew; or that the everlasting had not fix'd His canon 'gainst self–slaughter" (Ham. 1.2.). Hamlet doubts the purpose of life as he infers that he wants to committee suicide but is unsure due to it being a sin against God. Hamlet's indecisiveness can be traced back to his curiosity about after life due to his father's ghost existing and him thinking that in murdering his uncle, Hamlet's soul would not get an afterlife. However, the time period in which Hamlet is based in, it was a son's duty to avenge his father if he was a murdered noble. "A villain kills my father; and for that, I, his oldest son, do this same villain send to heaven" (Ham.

Dellan

Several critics' opinions on William Shakespeare's play "Hamlet" remains relevant in today's society. The play touches on themes such as suicide, vengeance, the moral weakness of women, murder, issues and outcomes that are as common today as they were in Shakespeare's time.

Some have stated that Shakespeare's `Hamlet' isn't relevant in society today that society has moved on. If this statement is true, then why are movies being made on `Hamlet' and why are students in schools and universities being made to study it"?

The answer is that `Hamlet' is an exceptional adventure story full of suspense, conspiracy and murder. It is a story of a young Danish Prince whose tactic to reprisal his father's murder results ultimately in misfortune. `Hamlet' explores many problems that are relevant in society today. The main arguments are suicide, revenge, liability in women, murder, consequence and prospect. This argument is the backing for `Hamlet's' relevance in society today. They are visibly in today's society and have been progressively since Hamlet was ever written. Such arguments like suicide are clearly seen by people today, and it is increasing.

The New York Times asked students to submit their performances of scenes from "Hamlet" via Instagram. They received close to 500 submissions. A statement from The New York times "Let it not be said that Shakespeare means nothing to young people". The anolage of Hamlet was performed 500 years ago. The New York Times asked high

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What have you come to understand about the intense human relationships of Hamlet? How has this understanding been affected by the perspectives of others? In you response you should focus on 3 scenes in the play and a range of perspectives.

The intense human relationships of Hamlet have been viewed through numerous perspectives yet all have reached the same conclusions. With the exception of just one, the friendship of Hamlet and Horatio, all the relationships are dishonourable, dysfunctional and destined to fail. Being a revenge tragedy it is immediately clear this play is filled with lies, deceit and treachery.

The exact time of Hamlet's composition is unknown, however it is assumed to be between 1599 and 1602. This was a dark,...show more content... The scene ends with Hamlet possessively demanding her "but go not to my uncle's bed" and uses multiple sexual references when he tells her to not let Claudius "Pinch wanton on your cheek, call you his mouse". Relating this to the Oedipus complex, Hamlet appears to be more like a jealous lover than a concerned son. Examining act 3 scene 4 from different perspectives gives varied insights into Gertrude and Hamlet's relationship, yet each perspective deduces that it is a dishonourable relationship with no mutual trust or respect.

Another dishonourable family relationship in Hamlet is that between Ophelia and her father Polonius. Polonius manipulates Ophelia for his own benefit, treating her like a tool rather than a person. Their relationships becomes pitiful when she receives orders from her father and responds with "I shall obey, my lord", implying that she is at the service of her father. Through the analysis of act 4 scene 5 a deeper understanding can be reached about Ophelia's relationship with her late father. Following the death of Polonius, Ophelia's mind becomes unhinged as she drifts into insanity, speaking in songs and rhymes. Considering this scene from a feminists perspective it can be thought that Ophelia went mad with guilt having her desire for Hamlet to kill her father so that they can be together fulfilled. This theory strongly supports the idea that the relationship between Ophelia and Polonius

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Shakespeare's Hamlet is one of the most popular dramas in world literature, as it examines the passionate, but toxic ambitions of King Claudius. He murders his own brother, King Hamlet, to overtake the throne, power, and wife. As a result of King Claudius' fratricide, he inherits the "primal eldest curse" of Cain and Abel, and the dispersion of his venom ends the lives of several major characters. Including, of course, Prince Hamlet, who gets drawn into a deep depression over his father's death, who later visits him as an apparition. This essay will analyze Shakespeare's symbolic use of poison, embodied by King Claudius and the unintended consequences of his wicked acts. Hamlet is a critical thinker for the world around him, seeking opportunities to learn. When Hamlet is confronted with the ghost, he isn't sure if his eyes deceive him. With further inspection, he learns it is his father who appears in front of him.

'Tis sweet and commendable in your nature, Hamlet, /To give these mourning duties to your father, /But you must know your father lost a father, /That father lost, lost his, and the survivor bound In filial obligation for some term/ To do obsequious sorrow. (1.2.87–89.)

Claudius claims it was a natural death the king experienced and it was supposed to happen the way it did. Claudius is a deceiving character because he shows little remorse or grief from the death. It wasn't a natural death at all; he was poisoned from his own brother. People had a strong belief

A Critical Analysis of Shakespeare's Hamlet

Dave Beaston

Hamlet. Is he an insane madman or a revengeful, scheming, genius? There are many conflicting ideas and theories on this subject, and hopefully this paper may be of some assistance in clearing up the confusion. The paper is divided into three separate analytic sections beginning with the beginning of

Hamlet's so called madness, and why it may have occurred. Next, is an analysis of why Hamlet delays revenging his father's death. To conclude the paper, Hamlet's incestuous acts towards his mother are discussed, in William Shakespeare's Hamlet. In the first act Hamlet seems to be in a perfectly sane state of mind throughout all five scenes. It is in the second scene ...show more content... But, in the back of Hamlet's mind, which keeps him in constant turmoil, is his loyalty to his family and moreover his father. Hamlet, in act four scene two, meets with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern and he seems to be breaking down into insanity. Hamlet had just killed Polonius, and his two friends were questioning him as to where he placed the body of the dead man. The strange thing about this scene is that Hamlet seems to play with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern and does not give them a straight answer. Hamlet has practically transformed into a different person and doesn't seem to be completely sane. Next is another situation that cannot be totally explained. The situation being Hamlet's delays in avenging his father's death. The first that Hamlet learns of his father's death is in act one scene five, where he follows the ghost. Hamlet is told, by the ghost, that he (the ghost) is the soul of Hamlet's father, and that he was murdered by Claudius. This all took place at the beginning of the play and Hamlet waited until the end of the play to get revenge for his father's murder. Then again there are different perspectives as to whether Hamlet waited until the end to actually gain revenge. For within the play there are many insinuations that Hamlet tortured Claudius all the way up until he

Many literary works bring about a central question for the world for which it offers at least part of an answer. Such works are often regarded as classics because of the central questions they bring about, for which people reading them can relate to no matter when it's being read. A literary work that sparks a question is Hamlet by William Shakespeare. This play, about deception and revenge, raises the question of whether spending more time on thought or action eventually leads to the right goals. The play answers this question to some extent in showing that neither extreme will lead to that goal, and reveals the theme that one must put thought and action together to achieve the best outcome in a tough decision. Hamlet's indecisiveness and hesitation in executing his revenge plot shows that spending too much time on thinking only delays the inevitable and increases the suffering of others around a person. Hamlet displays his hesitation when he finds King Claudius in a church, praying, and while he had the perfect chance to kill him, decided against it. Hamlet says "Now might I do it pat. Now he is a–praying...A villain kills my father, and, for that, I, his sole son, do this same villain send to heaven" (3.3. 76–83). Hamlet hesitates to kill Claudius because it may send him to heaven, though this literary device of dramatic irony is shown as readers know that Claudius is not really praying, but reflecting on the fact that he does not regret what he received by killing

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Hamlet was a play written by William Shakespeare in the early 1600's and became very popular throughout history. Today it is a very well known piece and many scholars, in past years as well as years to come, have tried to explain Hamlet in a variety of ways through critical approaches. Each critical approach has a place in Hamlet, so the studying of 1600's culture as well as the language and attitude put forth by the characters allows scholars to identify them in the script. There are many different critical approaches in Hamlet but the ones being focused on include the traditional revenge tragedy, the philosophical, the freudian, the feminist approach, and finally the formalistic approach. The freudian approach is one of the most popular in literature. This approach is responsible for taking a look at the motivations for why people do certain things in their life. Every person in the world has feelings of anger, depression, happiness, so the same goes for Hamlet in why he acts how he does in his everyday life. The freudian approach can go as far back as the childhood of certain people because a particular event happened which in turn shaped up who they were as a person. Hamlet in particular had many examples of him acting certain ways due to emotions he was feeling. One of the major ones was the the mixed feelings of guilt and anger built up inside Hamlet when the ghost of his father told him his brother had murdered him. The ghost told Hamlet to seek revenge for him, to

Many people equate good critical writing with very descriptive writing when that is simply not true. Good critical writing should not just be an in–depth description of a topic. Good critical writing should include a clear presentation of your argument and your own evidence, a clear and confident refusal to accept opposing conclusions from other critical writers, and a balanced presentation of reasons why the conclusions of other writers may be accepted but are ultimately not correct. Many people have written reviews about Kenneth Branagh's four–hour uncut movie production of Hamlet, but I'm going to evaluate just four reviews to determine their credibility of being a critical writing piece.

Alan Stone has written a drawn–out review of...show more content...

In addition, Branagh did not add additional dialogue to indicate this scenario, but rather a silent cut scene. In the end, Stone declares that "these criticisms are no more than quibbles about this glorious film" (Stone). Alan Stone gives extensive background of Branagh's film, is clear about his opinion, provides lots of evidence, and includes and refutes opposing views. Berardinelli has written a piece that includes only his opinion with no critical reasoning or specific evidence. Berardinelli gives background information on Hamlet itself when talking about how "legendary actors John Gielgud, Richard Burton, and Laurence Olivier have taken the lead role" (Berardinelli). He also gives background to Branagh's connection with Hamlet and how it "has been something of a private obsession for Kenneth Branagh since the age of eleven" (Berardinelli). He then goes into a lengthy synopsis of Hamlet. Berardinelli is not at all on the fence about his opinion; he states his argument very clearly early on when he says "I do not make lightly, this latest version is not only the best filmed adaption of Hamlet I have ever seen, but the best cinematic expression that I have come across of any of Shakespeare's plays" (Berardinelli). Berardinelli adds evidence to support

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Examples Of Literary Criticism Of Hamlet

After reading your chosen essay of literary criticism, respond to the following questions:

1) What was your author's thesis?

Loberg's starts her essay by informing the reader that physical violence is the most infrequent form of aggression and that people prefer alternatives that give bigger effect and less punishment. Her thesis implies that Hamlet shows a great amount of examples of how humans psychologically treat each other. Characters spreadaggression in non physical violent ways such as spreading lies, framing others and etc. Opening to the thought that the Queen was not seen as a suspect to Ophelia's death because she did not use physical violence.

" I suggest that, within this context of prevalent indirect aggression and with...show more content...

64 Loberg)

"Stereotype"(p. 61 Loberg)

6) What did this particular perspective add to your understanding of Hamlet?

I found this essay to be very intriguing and it definitely changed my perspective on Queen Gertrude, it made me want to pay more attention to hints in reading and makes me want to think more in depth. If I never read this essay I would have never thought that Gertrude could have been involved in Ophelia's death.

7) Did you notice anything about the way in which this essay was written that seems to contradict essay "rules" you have been taught in the past?

If so, explain

I realized that the author did not order her information from first events to the end events but a quite random order, which is something I've never done because I believe it is just common sense to order information chronologically which I found surprising that the author would do that, she still

managed to get her points across and have me understand but I think it would have been more efficient if the author had her information in chronological

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To be or not to be...Hamlet is just one of the many masterpieces written by the English poet, playwright, and actor William Shakespeare. However, nowadays young people from around the world wonder why is Shakespeare so important. For that reason several orators have tried to make them see beyond the words. One of the most influential on this topic is an English teacher from the campus of the Catholic University of America, Michael Mack. In September 2008, he delivered to a large freshman class a speech called Why Read Shakespeare? In this speech he stated a lot of claims proving his point. We all can agree on one thing, no matter whether we liked it or not, his arguments and evidence are completely valid. "The Earth

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Shakespeare wrote the tragedy, Hamlet. In the beginning of Hamlet, Prince Hamlet's father had just died, and his mother married his uncle soon after. Hamlet's head is in different places because he is so depressed and upset about his father's death. The story that all of Denmark thought King Hamlet died was that he was bitten by a poisonous snake which was a lie of course. In Act 1 Scene 5,Hamlet founds out that his father had been murdered by his uncle, Claudius, and that messed him up even more. After he heard that news, he found it appropriate to act crazy in the future. Afterwards, everyone thought Hamlet was going insane. Every time someone said anything to him, he'll say something back that doesn't even make sense. Hamlet is in love with Polonius's daughter, Ophelia, but Polonius tend to keep her away from Hamlet. In Act 2 Scene 2, Hamlet stated that Denmark is a prison because of the bad dreams he's having. Hamlet figured out that Claudius and Gertrude sent his old friends to see what's wrong with him. When Hamlet was younger it was a play that use to cheer him up so his mother and uncle. decided to have the play come perform for him. Hamlet wrote his own ending of the play similar to his father's death hoping that when Claudius watch it he'll feel guilty and speak out. In Act 3 Scene 1, Hamlet made a famous soliloquy which started off by saying "To be, or not to be? That is the question". What Hamlet meant by saying this soliloquy is it better to be alive or dead.

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Hamlet is a suspenseful play that introduces the topic of tragedy. Throughout the play, Hamlet displays anger, uncertainty, and obsession with death. Although Hamlet is unaware of it, these emotions cause the mishaps that occur throughout the play. These emotions combined with his unawareness are the leading basis for the tragic hero's flaws. These flaws lead Hamlet not to be a bad man, but a regular form of imperfection that comes along with being human. When Hamlet is first encountered with the ghost that resembles his father, it is revealed that his uncle Claudius might have been the cause of his father's death. Hamlet is then confused about what he should believe and how he...show more content... When he does act, he prefers to do it recklessly and violently. This is a flaw that Hamlet cannot deny. He knows that it is unjust, but only cares about avenging his father's death. Hamlet is not only angered with the fact of his father's death, but also with his mother's decision to marry Claudius. Devastated by his mother's decision to marry so soon after her husband's death, Hamlet becomes skeptical about women in general. He shows a particular obsession with what he perceives to be a connection with female sexuality and moral corruption. He almost develops hatred towards women because of his mother's decision. This hatred occurs and is shown with his relationship with Ophelia. He urges Ophelia to go to a nunnery rather than experience the dishonesty of sexuality. This hinders Hamlet from experiencing a love that is really needed at this time of his loss. One can say that this is another flaw, which Hamlet is unaware of. Throughout the course of the play, Hamlet is also obsessed with the mystery of death. In the beginning of the play, he states that he is unsure where one ends up after they die. Later into the play, he makes a reference to the afterlife contradicting his first approach. When he attempts to kill

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Shakespeare's play, Hamlet, reflects some of the societal issues that had plagued his time, most notably the imbalance of the standards between men and women. Hamlet's attitude and actions towards women reveal the effects of a patriarchal society. In addition, it highlights the inward struggle Hamlet faces in finding the balance between his femininity and abiding to the standards of their society.Hamlet's poor treatment of women helps pave the way for awareness of the social injustice, dysfunctional relationships and miscommunications that contribute toward the tragic ending. Hamlet's treatment of women was normal for his time period and typical for a patriarchal society. His over–exertion of control and dominance over the two female characters,...show more content...

Old Hamlet was an example of masculinity and what Hamlet strived to be. After his death, Hamlet's masculinity can be put into question as he doesn't sustain the typical standards of behavior. He continues to hesitate and fails to fight and follow what others would do. In comparison to the other men in the play, Hamlet is not completely up to par with his masculinity. Laertes and Polonius worry more for Ophelia's future, an effect of the patriarchal society and the problems it created for the opportunities of women. Differently, Hamlet worries for the conditions of humanity and the universe, but still desires for Ophelia to be safe from the corrupt outside world. Laertes and his eagerness to duel Hamlet exemplifies the disparity between them as it is something the latter would not do under prior conditions. The pressure for Hamlet to be a man and conform to societal standards is present, especially with Claudius scolding him for acting womanish, months after his father's death. This only strengthens Hamlet's hatred for him and reinforces the conflict in his feminine and masculine sides. His hatred for women is also reflected by this as he feels as though they are the reason for why he acts this way and cannot be fully accepted by Get more content

"'Tis not alone my inky cloak, good mother, / nor customary suits of solemn black / [ . . . ] but I have that within which passeth show; / these but the trappings and the suits of woe" (Shakespeare 1.2.76–73, 85–86) says Hamlet when confronted about his way of grieving over his father's recent death. Shakespeare's play Hamlet is a remarkable tale that is centered on the idea of death and grief. While death is a universal occurrence, meaning every person will deal with it, how we grieve after a loss is completely individual. To look at a formula of grief, most turn to the five stages of grief developed by Elizabeth Kubler–Ross, a psychiatrist, who studied the topic in her book On Death and Dying. This model consists of denial, anger,...show more content...

This idea of acceptance of death proven in Hamlet's line to Horatio after being challenged to a fencing match with Laertes, "if it be now, / 'tis not to come; if it be not to come, it will be now; / if it be not now, yet it will come. The readiness is / all. Since no man of aught he leaves knows, what / is't to leave betimes? Let be" (5.2.221–225). This is an important line in the play because it shows Hamlet's acceptance of death in his own terms and everyone else's, meaning if it is supposed to happen, it will. This also shows Hamlet's acceptance of his destiny when concerning death and revenge. At the end of the play, when Hamlet is dying from the poisoned sword, he does not grieve or think of what will happen to his spirit. Instead he moves on by passing on his vote for Fortinbras and requesting that his story be passed on by Horatio (5.2.349, 356–357). This desire to move on shows the acceptance of Hamlet's faith, and the final stage of the Kubler–Ross model. Throughout Shakespeare's play Hamlet, the characters clearly describe the grief they are experiencing through their poetic lines. Using the Kubler–Ross model, the audience can dissect the grief process to better understand Hamlet's intentions. In the play, Hamlet experiences strong emotions concerning grief, including his examples of depression, anger, and finally, acceptance. The play shows that while the model was created in 1969, the

One of the best known pieces of literature throughout the world, Hamlet is also granted a position of excellence as a work of art. One of the elements which makes this play one of such prestige is the manner in which the story unfolds. Throughout time, Shakespeare has been renowned for writing excellent superlative opening scenes for his plays. By reviewing Act 1, Scene 1 of Hamlet, the reader is able to establish a clear understanding of events to come. This scene effectively sets a strongmood for the events to come, gives important background information, and introduces the main characters. With the use of this information, it is simple to see how Shakespeare manages to create stories with such everlasting appeal....show more content...

This clearly indicates that there is some sort of situation to be resolved, and that there is a reason for the king to be returning from the grave. From their speech, the reader learns that there has been a battle, and the result was the king’s death. "Such was the very armor he had on when he the ambitious Norway combated," introduces the conflict between Denmark and Norway. Through dialogue, it is also told that military preparations are taking place at Elsinore, because Fortinbras seeks to reclaim the Norwegian lands that his late father lost to King Hamlet. "So nightly toils the subject of the land, and why such daily blast of brazen cannon, and foreign mart for implements of war…"(p13, ln71) reveals that Denmark is intensely preparing for the war being carried out in Denmark. From this scene, there is also much to be said about the people of the land. It is quite apparent that they are very superstitious and wary of the supernatural. They fear that which they are unfamiliar with. If the reader is to read deeper into the plot, it can be seen that the people of the story are very closely intertwined. When Bernardo and Marcellus believe that they have witnessed a ghost, they decide that they must tell Horatio. After the ghost is observed, the three men decide to tell Hamlet of what they have seen. This indicates that the characters in the story are familiar with each other, and possibly Get more