hamlet:A Man in morning
Hamlet is one of the most popular plays of William Shakespeare. It has been enjoyed by audiences throughout its existence, and also criticized by critics. Since the time it was written, critics have been trying to explain Hamlet's odd behavior, and the apparent lack of explanation for the absurdities of the play have caused some critics to denounce the play as a failure. This is far from the truth. The basic explanation of the play, which solves many problems associated with the play, is that Hamlet is depressed. T.S. Elliot says the play is a failure because Shakespeare's fails to impart to the audience how one would feel in Hamlet's situation. The fault is not Shakespeare's, but the audience's. The audience often fails to understand that Hamlet at the opening of the play, is not in his normal state, but is Hamlet depressed because of the death of his father. We see Hamlet change throughout the play, as he is starts out depressed, and grows in a natural progression. As he exits depression, he realizes the need for revenge, and he feigns madness to help him achieve this. Hamlet's depressed state in the beginning helps to explain many of the actions, and perceived failures of the play.
Readings On Hamlet. Ed. Don Nardo. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, Inc. 1999 In conclusion, we find explanations to the misunderstandings of this play by understanding Hamlet. Knowing that he holds Christian beliefs, is a calculated man of reason, and that he begins depressed will help to solve the problems that critics of denounced the play for. We see Hamlet's lack of action as a result of his Christian beliefs, his intellectual training, and his depressed state. Hamlet's supposed madness is actually a result of his brilliant mind that understood that feigning madness would help him achieve his goals. Knowing these facts, Hamlet is not the failure that many critics say it is. Hamlet is rather a brilliant play, in which Shakespeare successfully attempts to impart the feelings of grief. Hamlet, although sometimes difficult for audiences to understand, is one of Shakespeare's greatest achievements. Hamlet is greatly distressed that his mother had immediately married his uncle instead of mourning. Last we see that he is hurt because he can not say anything, and must keep silent. During his second soliloquy, Hamlet's attitude has changed, from confused, to angry. At this point he is set on avenging his father's death, and swears to it. This soliloquy mainly serves to show Hamlet's progression. When Hamlet says his third soliloquy, we see some important insight of Hamlet. First we see an important part that shows another dimension of Hamlets depression. His whole life, Hamlet had been raised to become king. He was nobility. After Claudius becomes king, he sees that that it is no longer possible for him to become king, and this greatly upsets him. "Oh! What a rogue and peasant slave am I:" (II,ii, 553). As demonstrated in the quote, he feels like he has been demoted as a citizen, and is no longer royalty. In this soliloquy, we also see some of the genius reasoning skills of Hamlet is educated. His plan to trap Claudius's conscience marks a change in behavior. In his fourth and most famous soliloquy, Hamlet once again debates suicide. This behavior is a little inconsistent with his plan to trap Claudius, but when there is grieving and depression, much is chaotic. While thinking about suicide, he once again he decides against it, calling death Pennington, Michael. "Ophelia: Madness Her Only Safe Haven" Readings On Hamlet. Or that the Everlasting had not fix'd No traveler returns, (III, i, 79-80). he play opens, we see Hamlet as he learns of his father's murder. Hamlet is lethargic, melancholy, and slow to action. As the play continues Hamlet changes, and seems to be completely different than what he previously wa
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Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)
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