The Ultimate Peripeteia in Hamlet

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The Ultimate Peripeteia in Hamlet

If one were to push a boulder up a hill with a gentle incline, it would be rather difficult to discern that pivotal moment when it is poised for a split-second at the summit. In tragedy, this moment is known as the ultimate peripeteia or the point of no return for the protagonist. From this point on, the protagonist moves downhill with increasing momentum and decreasing control over where they're headed. Act 3 of Hamlet is filled with dramatic and powerful moments that are each in their own way, minor peripeteia. However, there is only one critical action that lies precisely at the peak or the turning point. This action involves Hamlet's decision not to slay Claudius while he prays. Although the remaining actions may be within centimeters away, they all posses certain vital flaws that prevent them from occupying the spot reserved for the actual ultimate peripeteia.

The first major action of the third act is the arranged meeting between Hamlet and Ophelia. During this meeting, Hamlet seems to turn on Ophelia, denying that he ever loved her. This apparent reversal of feelings towards Ophelia may appear as a peripeteia at first, but under closer examination will prove to be a continuation of Hamlet's pretense of madness. Hamlet is aware that Ophelia is being used to draw out information from him about the source of his insanity. This becomes evident when Hamlet inquires where Ophelia's father is. At the end of his soliloquy, Hamlet comments on Ophelia's beauty as he sees her approach. This illustrates that he still has affection for her, but in his current state o...

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...mmitted murder, and does not appear to repent. Although it does demonstrate a tendency of rash behavior that Hamlet had previously not expressed, this is not a true turning point since Hamlet's intent was to kill Claudius. Only in a moment of extreme passion, which came too late, is Hamlet finally ready to take action against Claudius.

The highly dramatic and tense moments of Act 3 make it difficult to determine which exactly embodies the ultimate peripeteia. However by inspecting the defects of each choice and eliminating the choices where it only appears as if a reversal of the situation has occurred, or where the protagonist still has a good chance of accomplishing what they set out to do, it can be concluded that the ultimate peripeteia of Hamlet occurs when Hamlet does not kill Claudius as he prays.

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