The Influence Of Self-Criticism In Shakespeare's Hamlet

In Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Hamlet’s self-criticism and his actions demonstrate him not being able to follow in his father’s legacy. Shakespeare proves Hamlet’s villainous image, from his father’s funeral to his death. Hamlet does not gain heroic traits and follow the standard for what it means to carry on his father’s characteristics, becoming trapped in a cycle. The cycle, being the moment when Hamlet shows heroic traits, but then his actions afterwards throws into disarray his title of becoming a hero. Hamlet starts to follow the guidelines for being a hero, acting, but then goes through a conflict with himself, which reverses his ability to become a tragic hero. Hamlet undergoes a troubling mindset and begins to criticise himself as a man

After his father’s funeral and his mother’s wedding and the his father’s absence, Hamlet shows signs of cowardice when he wishes, “that the Everlasting had not fixed.His canon ‘gainst self-slaughter” (I.ii.133).Hamlet’s claim that he is not a hero and his dependence on his father at the start of his journey reveals that he would rather die than be able to live happily with his mother being married to someone other than his father. through,“self-slaughter”, Hamlet is talking about suicide, which goes against becoming a tragic hero. Unlike his father, who was a great warrior who managed to show off his strength and bravery as a hero and slay Old Fortinbras, Hamlet doesn’t follow his path, but instead morns and loses his reason to live happily in a castle without his father. After speaking with the New King and his mother, Horatio tells Hamlet that he has seen his father’s ghost. The ghost appears and beckons Hamlet to follow him in private and Horatio tries to prevent Hamlet from following the ghost. Trying to show everyone his bravery and duty as a son, Hamlet follows his father’s ghost and says, “ My fate cries out, and makes each petty artery in this body as hardy as the Nemean lion’s nerve” (I.v.82-83). When Old Hamlet reveals how he was killed, Hamlet finally has a source of power to help him overcome his sad demeanor.Hamlet only gains the courage to live on because of his

This is most brave, that I, the son of a dear father murdered, prompted to my revenge by heaven and hell, must like a whore unpack my heart with words and fall a-cursing like a very drab” (II.ii.502-506). Hamlet self pities himself and stresses that he must “ like a whore unpack my heart with words.” Hamlet starts to view himself as someone who is not worthy of being the Prince of Denmark and Old Hamlet’s son. Hamlet does not act in a way a son whose father is that of a hero should be. Unlike Hamlet, Young Fortinbras and Laertes have the ability to take charge and show leadership. When set to have a match against Laertes, Horatio, his sole supporter, tries to discourage Hamlet by pessimistically saying, “You will lose my lord”(V.ii.179), uncertain of Hamlet being able to fight just like his father. Laertes is exceptional at fighting whereas people do not believe in Hamlet’s ability to overcome Laertes.Even Hamlet soon doubts himself and his ability to fight Laertes. In Hamlet’s mind, avenging his father is the only way to be able to live on willingly and carry on the burden of being Old Hamlet’s son. Hamlet’s journey as a hero transforms into the cycle where he transitions from becoming depressed and lacking courage and strength, to him demonstrating heroic traits through his loyalty to his father through revenge. After having