In 1932, T.S. Eliot wrote one of the most notable critiques to date on Shakespeare’s Hamlet, in which he argued that, although entertaining and obvious in its staying power, it was an artistic failure due to it’s highly flawed plot. He argued that there were flaws in the story line, inconsistencies in the characters, and errors in the historical facts of the novel. Leslie Croxford states, “It is true. No other work has presented more uncertain meanings. Interpretation has thrived. Hamlet is quite simply “the most problematic play ever written by Shakespeare or any other playwright.” (Croxford)
Undoubtedly the character of Hamlet is one of the most well known in all of English literary history, and a coveted role of many an actor over the past several hundred years. Hamlets broad appeal to the masses of theater and moviegoers alike most likely stems from the depth of Hamlets humanity, and a familiarity with the weakness that is embodied within his character.
His struggles with feelings of revenge, passion, morality, justice, are at many times overshadowed by an overarching theme of indecisiveness. This indecisive nature is a well-known character flaw, but it can be argued that the most outstanding character flaw, and subsequently what lead Eliot to argue so vehemently against the play as an artistic failure, is the inconsistency of Hamlet.
One of the most striking examples of the inconsistency in the characterization of Hamlet can be found in the “Closet Scene with Gertrude” midway through the play. To understand this inconsistent action of hamlet, one must first look back to prior encounters of Hamlet with his mother.
In one of the opening scenes of the novel, as the king concludes his speech regarding the matters of s...
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...It transports you to a time and place in which you can identify with the soul of its intrinsic quality. In the case of the written word, it will carry you beyond the bounds of reality, to a place where you can connect with the world that the author has created for you. Hamlet has done this for countless generations of theatergoers, proving the immortality of such a play should not be measured by the inconvenient contradictions of fact. Since the original production of Shakespeare's Hamlet, the audience has been more than willing to judge the play, not for its inconsistencies, but rather on the splendor of the story, the power of its emotions, and its timeless ability to capture the soul of an audience. It is for that reason that, while the consistency of the play is without doubt, it rightfully remains as one of the greatest masterpieces of the English language.
William Shakespeare composed the play Hamlet, around 1600-1601. This play, named after his only son, in my opinion is one of Shakespeare’s best works. The play shows the literal as well as the realistic sides of people during this culture as well as those generations to come. During the play, Hamlet’s character went through several different transitions. In the beginning he was shown as a child, by his actions and curiosity, but towards the end of play his manhood begins surface and he begins to be aggressive at getting what he wants.
The impression made by a character in a play is one of its most complex and debatable components, for each individual, from the director to the audience, forms an idea based on their own interpretation of the work. Each character can be read differently, with each perception having its own implications beyond the text. The analysis of alternate perspectives of Hamlet can provide insight into possible hidden motivations and underlying plot elements invisible in the original text.
Hamlet none other than the underlying thought of doubt, shape the play and its characters in such a dramatic way. In fact the plays main questions and events all come about due to some doubt and uncertainty from any multitude of characters. Although a common theme for many no other one character portrays this literary theme and crippling condition then the stories main focus and protagonist, prince Hamlet. Hamlet struggles with believing the evidence brought to him of his fathers death, and goes through much indecision and pondering about life, death and his future endeavors before he eventually fufils his purpose. Hamlet even after he’s chosen his path is crippled by his chronic indecision and failure to act, and in the end is brought down by it. Through Hamlet we are clearly shown that doubt and thought have there place, but too much can and in hamlets becomes his downfall.
Foremost, is the character of Hamlet: the causes and effects of his actions, or lack thereof. Hamlet is a very thoughtful person by nature, and often spends more time thinking than acting. However, Hamlet does realize that "...conscience does make cowards of us all, And thus the native hue of resolution/ Is sicklied o'er with the pale cast of thought"(III.i.84-85). Although Hamlet recognizes the fact that too much reflection could end poorly, he does it nonetheless. Every situation he is faced with he insists upon planning it out first, and rarely actually acting upon these plans. Additionally, since Hamlet is considered to be a tragedy, there must be a tragic hero. All tragic heroes have some kind of flaw or blemish, which, according to the article "Characters", "Hamlet's weakness may be that he 'thinks too much' and cannot make up his mind. The resulting inactions leads to his death" ("Characters"). Because Hamlet spends so much time pondering his surroundings, he sometimes misses the chance to act on them. This inability to accomplish anything slowly pulls Hamlet to a point where no amount of thought or action could possibly help him. However, at one point in the play Hamlet comes very near to followin...
Hamlet, the cornerstone character of Shakespeare 's Hamlet, is thought to be the most complex character of English literature. This characterization is often due to the fact that Hamlet is thought to be mad. The depth at which Hamlet’s thoughts reach is far superior to those around him, leaving him misunderstood. Despite what scholars tend to think, Hamlet was too intelligent for the other characters to interpret his thoughts, words, and actions in any other way than madness.
In the play Hamlet, Hamlet is described as daring, brave, loyal, and intelligent. However, he is always consumed by his own thoughts, this being his tragic flaw. There are numerous times Hamlet does not act when he should, like his inability to act on his father's murder, his mother's marriage, and his uncle's assuming of the throne.
This play is ranked by many as the very greatest ever written. Cumberland Clark in “The Supernatural in Hamlet” gives the consensus regarding Hamlet that exists among literary critics of today:
In conclusion, Hamlet is undeniably the crown of indulgence into contemporary behaviors and insight into human complexities. Shakespeare’s exquisite use of theme, entertainment and characterization not only develops the intricate plot and body of the play, but also invites the audience into a realm of knowledge and understanding. Ultimately, the pursuit of knowledge is the greatest asset known to humankind. Its infinite possibilities excite the imagination and for that reason, one should value contemporary literary works. But it is important to respect and study the foundation of these pieces, for they base their content off of the classics.
Hamlet has long-been associated with the name of William Shakespeare as a masterful work of literary art. It is one of the most debated, celebrated and studied pieces of all time; a marvel of showmanship from one of the most famous authors to ever pick up the elegant pen of words. Those who have read the drama often marvel at the complexity of Hamlet himself, and debate his hesitancy of action throughout the tragedy-namely, the supposed murder of Claudius which he ‘must’ commit. While many scholars agree on Hamlet’s reasons for delay, critics have yet to narrow their thoughts on Hamlet’s overlying motive: why does behave the way he does? More importantly, what were Shakespeare’s motives in portraying Hamlet the way he ultimately does? Hamlet’s hesitation is not the most convoluted and interesting of the subjects; his rationale of purpose is what drives the entire work to be the complex enigma that it still is, to this day.
Shakespeare thus leaves his audience to fabricate their own perception with serving only minor stage directions. They are then left with Hamlet’s lingering words, actions, and the reactions to predisposed whether Hamlet’s madness is actually feigned or legitimate. Nevertheless, The evidence does not actually define Shakespeare’s character, Hamlet. To relate, modern audiences must do their research to become accustomed to the way of thinking done by people of the Renaissance. All in all, Hamlet’s true soundness is left up to the people of today’s
Shakespeare consists of classic tales, as some would say. He uses such a beautiful language and a strong depiction of his characters, atmosphere, background and even the overall message he tries to send through his productions. Specifically, Hamlet is a very important play because it covers a broad range of themes that we encounter today in the 20th century ranging from love, betrayal, politics, war, death, insanity, espionage and so on. Shakespeare’s work was a form of art and you can get a lot out of his
Shakespeare’s most famous play Hamlet resonates with the hearts and minds of audiences through the dramatic treatment of struggle and disillusionment. Author, John Green commented, “Hamlet struggles because he is human.” It is these human characteristics and behaviors that have kept an audience transfixed through the years. Hamlet’s disillusionment with women, introduce modern day themes of love and marriage. His inability to act introduces his disillusionment with his uncle. Lastly his disenchantment with himself brings about questions of self-doubt and philosophical ideals of death.
We first realize Gertrude’s poor judgments are her major flaw in the beginning of the play. As the mother of a grieving son, Gertrude should have been more considerate to the situation Hamlet is faced with. Instead, less than two months after King Hamlet 's death, Gertrude
In conclusion, Shakespeare has been accused of inconsistency with Hamlet only because he has kept up the distinction which there is in nature, between the understandings and the moral habits of men, between the absurdity of their ideas and the absurdity of their motives. Hamlet is not a fool, but he makes himself so. His folly, whether in his actions or speeches, comes under the category of impropriety of intention.
Hamlet is the best known tragedy in literature today. Here, Shakespeare exposes Hamlet’s flaws as a heroic character. The tragedy in this play is the result of the main character’s unrealistic ideals and his inability to overcome his weakness of indecisiveness. This fatal attribute led to the death of several people which included his mother and the King of Denmark. Although he is described as being a brave and intelligent person, his tendency to procrastinate prevented him from acting on his father’s murder, his mother’s marriage, and his uncle’s ascension to the throne.