Hamlet Friendship
William Shakespeare's Hamlet depicts the story of a distraught prince attempting to avenge the wrongful death of his father. Many critics have associated Hamlet's actions with his tragic flaw, but it is often overlooked how friendship played a role in Hamlet's apparent self-destruction. In Shakespeare's play, Hamlet's relationships can be easily distinguished. His relationship with Horatio proves to represent the epitome of rational thinking and true friendship; however, his relationship with Rosencratz and Guildenstern contrasts representing disloyalty. In Jungian archetypes, Horatio is the wise man. Although historically the wise-man has been played by an old man, the archetype manifests itself in a young scholar. This archetype is always portrayed as a pragmatic, yet intelligent character: it is this character who guides the light for the protagonist, Hamlet. This is evident when Horatio discusses the wisdom of Hamlet's duel with Laertes in Act 5, Scene 2, where he attempts dissuade Hamlet from his course of action. Horatio is the only character that supports Hamlet throughout the whole play; he is the apotheosis of a true friend. With
As the play reaches its climax, Horatio is the one who stands by Hamlet's side. Although he is prepared to join Hamlet in death, he refrains simply so he can insure that Hamlet's name will be unblemished after his death. Horatio possesses a strong morals, integrity and intelligence. Hamlet's fondness for Horatio escalates to an admiration for his character. Horatio represents the judgment and rationality that Hamlet never had. On the contrary, while Horatio represents virtue, Rosencratz and Guildenztern are a clear representation of the vice. When these characters were first introduced, Hamlet initially refers them as (Act 2 Scene 2 line 217) "My excellent good friends!" Earlier in the play, Hamlet also greeted Horatio in the same cordial manner. Despite the resemblance in the greetings, Hamlet questions the motives of his once good friends. Although Hamlet suspects that they are conspiring, he trusts them enough to tell them " I am but mad north-north-west. When the / wind is southerly, I know a hawk from a handsaw." Hamlet is telling them that he can control his "two-face". When Hamlet is forced to ask whether the two were sent for, and
Some common words found in the essay are:
Rosencratz Guildenstern, Rosencratz Guildenztern, Hamlet Horatio, Shakespeare's Hamlet, Laertes Act, Rosencrantz Guildenstern, Horatio Horatio, Hamlet Throughout, scene 2, royal family, act 3 scene, Gonzaga Hamlet, play hamlet, hamlet horatio, act 3, rosencrantz guildenstern, rosencratz guildenstern, England Hamlet, 3 scene, 3 scene 2, scene 2 line, 2 line, reaction play, hamlet throughout play,
Approximate Word count = 781
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
|
