The Masks of Hamlet

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In the play, Hamlet, by William Shakespeare, the author dives into a tragedy with several characters that go through drastic changes. This tragedy was written in early 1600s, about the early kingdom of Denmark. The focus of the play is that Prince Hamlet is seeking vengeance of his father who was killed by Hamlet’s Uncle, Claudius. With a mix of sudden death and family affairs, the young prince goes through a tremendous amount of change in a short period, which causes high levels of stress. The main character Prince Hamlet is a character that is stuck between the realms of sanity and insanity. This constant unbalance causes him to also have suicidal thoughts, along with procrastinating on important thing. Hamlet’s insanity is an extremely odd and clever tool that the prince uses to confuse those around him, so he may complete his plan of killing King Claudius. When madness is reasonable for Hamlet's goals, he puts on an "antic disposition" (I.v.173). On the other hand, when sanity is needed, Hamlet returns to being logical. Hamlet explained that he is "mad north-north-west" (II.ii.376), meaning he is insane at times and quite normal at others. Therefore, Hamlet uses this strategy to complete his scheme, but ironically, slows down the process. To begin, Hamlet shifts into the realm of insanity to achieve his short-term goals. Hamlet uses his craziness as a tool, changing insanity into the form of being witty, with clever word choice and actions. Furthermore, Hamlet only acts insane towards his enemies or their allies. One example, Hamlet attacks Ophelia, who is with Claudius, with words: "are you honest" (III.i.104), "are you fair" (III.i.106). Hamlet "speaks daggers" (III.ii.387) to Gertrude, because she is the only thing that sep... ... middle of paper ... ... things he has earned from the deed, “My crown, mine own ambition and my queen” (III.iii. ) Hamlet then justifies not killing Claudius for he doesn’t want to kill him after repenting for he would go to heaven. This then shows again how religion plays a major role in the play. Again, Hamlet justifies his hesitations to take Claudius’ life at the beginning of the play because he is uncertain of the reliability of the ghosts’ claims of the murder. However, Hamlet explains to the ghost that a quick revenge is to come: “Haste me to know‘t, that I, with wings as swift / As meditation or the thoughts of love / May sweep my revenge.” (I. v. 30-32) It is very possible these words are said due to shock and disbelief that the ghost confirmed Hamlet’s suspicion of murder. Yet, even after these words Hamlet fails to act, stating they need more evidence before he should act out.

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