Discord and Fear in in Hamlet

It is clear that Hamlet is not a perfect character. His struggle to avenge his fathers death with a lack of physical confidence and uncertainty creates more problems than it does resolution. As Hamlet becomes more uncertain and unable to avenge his father’s death, his emotional saturation and lack of physical confidence propels himself and other characters further into discord and tragedy. However, by the time Hamlet undergoes mental transformation and equalizes the imbalance between physical confidence and emotional saturation, the characters have already began their final fall into a resolution of death. Hamlet’s imbalance in physical confidence and emotion acts as a catalyst for the plot.

Hamlet’s lack in physical confidence is caused in part by his emotional saturation and emphasis on thought. Even though his father was murdered by his uncle in an act of treason - and most would argue jealousy, Hamlet is uncertain and frightened to express his accusations against Claudius. While the plot could propel exponentially into madness if Hamlet were to accuse Claudius, Hamlet’s decision to withhold the ghost’s revelation espouses suspicion in other characters toward Hamlet. Horatio and Marcellus gain suspicion when Hamlet reveals he will become strange and mad, “so help you mercy How strange or odd some’er I bear myself” (1.5.189). Claudius becomes aware of his strange behavior and closely watches Hamlet. When Hamlet speaks to himself he draws attention to his emotional process and physical uncertainty. “His [the player’s] whole function suiting With forms to his conceit - and all for nothing!” (2.2.584). He wonders why actors can easily portray their thoughts and emotions with physical action yet he cannot. Hamlet becomes uncertai...

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...iously had already driven most of the characters to the final stages before their demise. When Hamlet does finally synthesis his emotions through actions, it results in the death of Claudius, Gertrude, Laertes, and himself.

While the disposition of Hamlet is already ripe for an exciting plot, it is Hamlet’s imbalance of emotion and physical confidence that ultimately fuels the plot. He creates uncertainty, anxiety, and ultimately discord throughout characters that transforms the story to welcome tragedy and death. Hamlet plays both the role of a hero and anti-hero. He is weak and cowardly initially but morphs into a revenge thirsty son that thrives to make rights of himself and others. Without this, Hamlet would simply be another story of uncomfortable character relationships.

Works Cited

Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. New York City: Washington Square Press, 1992.