Hamlet, the Anithero
In literature, there are countless antiheroic characters. However, Anitheroism is an exceptional characteristic for authors to portray in characters, which makes this trait so unique and fascinating. In the literary dictionary, an antihero is defined as the "hero of the play or novel, but has negative attributes, which separate him or her from the classic hero." Such negative aspects may include a violent nature, use of coarse language, or self serving interests which may inadvertently depict the protagonist as a hero since the result of serving those interests may be the betterment of the society or environment. In William Shakespeare's Hamlet, the protagonist, Hamlet, is depicted as an antihero. Hamlet draws sympathy, as well as admiration, from the pain of losing his father along with the burden and obstacles in avenging his murder.Act four places a special emphasis on Hamlet's intelligence. In scene two, Hamlet is extremely insolent and behaves in an ill-mannered fashion towards Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. Hamlet says to them, "That I can keep your counsel and not, mine own. Beside, to be demanded of a sponge, what replication should be made by the son of a king?" (IV, ii, 12-14) The reference to the sponge resemble
Claudius is willing to undertake any measures necessary to eliminate Hamlet. Hamlet is described as the victim, and much like two bullies picking on a small child in the playground, Claudius, his uncle, the king, and murderer of his father, with the aid of Laertes, goes out to terminate Hamlet for good. By this time, Hamlet faces death. He is willing to sacrifice his own life in order to fix what is morally correct - Claudius must pay. Another incident of Hamlet's high intelligence is illustrated when Hamlet tells Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, "I am glad of it: a knavish sleeps in a foolish ear." (IV, ii, 24-25) This statement leaves Rosencrantz and Guildenstern more or less confused. Hamlet is evidently wiser than the two of them combined and is capable of toying with their minds. Hamlet has an excellent command of the language, and because of it, is often difficult to comprehend, instantly deriving to the conclusion that he is insane. The fact that Hamlet's life is in jeopardy attributes to his "hero" status. His only fault is the desire to avenge his father's murderer, an act considered completely honorable and even respectable by most people. Nevertheless, Hamlet's negative attributes include his
Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 820
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
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