Hamlet's Tragic Hero

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A tragic hero is defined as a person of noble birth with heroic or potentially heroic qualities that is destined for downfall. The topic about whether Hamlet is a tragic hero or not has been an argumentative topic for years. Critics of the belief claim that Hamlet was not killed by a tragic flaw. However, I believe Hamlet portrays all of the characteristics of being a tragic hero and is killed because of his error in judgment. Because William Shakespeare wrote Hamlet as a tragedy, Hamlet is a tragic hero.

The first characteristic a tragic hero must possess is a character of noble stature and possess greatness. They must occupy a "high" status position and exemplify nobility and virtue as part of their natural character (quizlet.com). …show more content…

In Hamlet’s hunt for revenge, his inability to follow through and act is Hamlet’s tragic flaw (quizlet.com). Because Hamlet overthinks everything, this causes him to procrastinate. Theoretically, Hamlet is more than willing to accept the duty of getting revenge for his father. Hamlet promises to prove his love to his father and do his given duty. After hearing the story of the murder, he plans revenge: "Haste me to know't, that I, with wings as swift, As meditation or the thoughts of love, May sweep to my revenge" (Shakespeare, trans. 1987 1.5.29-31). However, Hamlet can not carry out with this. When Hamlet has a chance to kill Claudius when he is kneeled down praying, Hamlet deters from murdering Claudius because he believes he will be sent to Heaven. Hamlet not only wants to murder Claudius, he also wants Claudius to suffer in Hell. He begins to feel guilty about not avenging his father’s death …show more content…

It finally becomes clear to Hamlet that he must avenge his murdered father and his mother who has remarried and forgot about her first husband (shmoop.com). At this time, Laertes also wants revenge on Hamlet for his father. He returns immediately and declares revenge on Hamlet. With the help of Claudius, the two devise a plan to have a “friendly duel”. However, in this duel they plan on killing Hamlet with a poisoned sword or a poisoned drink. Hamlet agrees to the duel. During the duel, the two’s swords get mixed up. Laertes and Hamlet have both been stabbed by the poisoned sword.Alongside this, Gertrude has mistakenly drank out of the poisoned cup. She realizes what has happened and announces that she has been poisoned. Laertes confesses what he has done and tells Hamlet that death is near for both of them. This exemplifies the third characteristic for tragic heroes. The hero's downfall is partially his own fault, and thus the result of free choice, not of accident or villainy or some overriding, evil fate. In fact, the tragedy is usually triggered by some error in judgment or some character flaw that contributes to the hero's lack of perfection

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