Hamlet Essay, Research Paper
Hamlet: Brutal Truth Disillusionment. Depression. Despair. These are the burning emotionschurning in young Hamlet’s soul as he attempts to come to terms with hisfather’s death and his mother’s incestuous, illicit marriage. WhileHamlet tries to pick up the pieces of his shattered idealism, heconsciously embarks on a quest to seek the truth hidden in Elsinore;this, in stark contrast to Claudius’ fervent attempts to obscure thetruth of murder. Deception versus truth; illusion versus reality. In theplay, Prince Hamlet is constantly having to differentiate amongst them.However, there is always an exception to the rule, and in this case, theexception lies in Act 2, Scene 2, where an “honest” conversation (sansthe gilded trappings of deceit) takes place between Hamlet andRosenkrantz and Guildenstern. Via the use of prose and figurativelanguage, Shakespeare utilizes the passage to illustrate Hamlet’s viewof the cosmos and mankind. Throughout the play, the themes of illusion and mendaciousness havebeen carefully developed. The entire royal Danish court is ensnared in aweb of espionage, betrayal, and lies. Not a single man speaks his mind,nor addresses his purpose clearly. As Polonius puts it so perfectly:”And thus do we of wisdom and of reach^+By indirections find directions out”Act 2, Scene 2, Lines 71-3The many falsehoods and deceptions uttered in Hamlet are expressedthrough eloquent, formal, poetic language (iambic pentameter),tantamount to an art form. If deceit is a painted, ornate subject then,its foil of truth is simple and unvarnished. Accordingly, when thepretenses of illusion are discarded in Act 2, Scene 2, the language iswritten in direct prose. Addressing Rosenkrantz and Guildenstern, Hamlet pleads with them todeliver up honest speech about the intent of their arrival:”[offer up] Anything but to th’ purpose.”Act 2, Scene 2, Line 300In a gesture of extreme significance, in a quote complementary toPolonius’ aforementioned one, Hamlet demands:”Be even and direct with me whether youwere sent for or no.”Act 2, Scene 2, Lines 310-11 Being the bumbling fools they are, Rosenkrantz and Guildensterndisclose their intentions and purposes to Hamlet, revealing the King andQueen’s instructions. Thus does truth prevail in this passage. For thisreason, the whole passage is devoid of the “artful” poetic devices thatare used in the better portion of the play. The recurring motif of corruption also appears in the passage. Due tothe wicked internal proceedings in the state of Denmark (e.g. murder,incest), Shakespeare implies that the whole state is “soiled”, which inturn has a direct negative consequence in the grand universal scheme ofthings. Imagery of warped and distasteful plants, in place of the
traditional “aesthetically correct” beautiful flowers in a garden,serves to further reinforce the degeneration theme:”‘Tis an unweeded garden that growsto seed. Things rank and gross in naturepossess it merely.”Act 1, Scene 2Essentially, all of life, and all that was good and beautiful in life(e.g. the garden) is sullied. Hamlet, the disillusioned idealist, continues with the motif when hedisheartenedly declares:”the earth, seems to me a sterile promontory^+” -Act 2, Scene 2, Lines 321-2[the air] “why, it appeareth nothing to me but a fouled and pestilent congregation of vapors.”-Act 2, Scene 2, Lines 325-6The above lines represent Hamlet’s cosmic view on the planet. He findsthe world to be empty and lifeless, dirty and diseased, and hisparticular place in it to be desolate and lonely. Indeed, he feels soisolated and entrapped in his native land that he says:[the world is a prison] “A goodly one, in which there are many confines,wards, and dungeons, Denmark being one o’ th’ worst.”-Act 2, Scene 2, Lines 264-6This view of the world exemplifies the micro/macro concept, whereDenmark is the “micro” manifestation of a prison for our hero. The taintof “micro” Denmark leads to repercussions that in turn affect the wholeuniversal order, leading to the consequence of the world itself becomingthe “macro” manifestation of a prison in Hamlet’s eyes. Further along in the same paragraph, Hamlet offers up his opinion onman, extolling his virtues and excellent qualities (”what a piece ofwork is man^+”). Yet, it is tremendously ironic, that the ideal type ofman Hamlet is describing is nowhere to be found in the play. Hamlethimself is indecisive, unable to take action, Claudius is a slave to hislusts and passions, Polonius is a simpering, servile old fool, andRosenkrantz and Guildenstern are mindless ninnies. Quite simply, no”true man” as Hamlet describes him exists in the play. As a result of this dismal realization, and because of his inability toadapt to the “unnatural state of things in Denmark”, Hamlet has lost thelove for life he once had. This loss of enthusiasm also stems from thefact that he intrinsically knows there is more wickedness brewing underthe superficial illusionary surface of calm that Claudius is trying topromote. As a culmination of all these factors, Hamlet loses all faithin man:”And yet, to me, what is thisquintessence of dust?”Scene 2, Act 2, Lines 332-3 Drawing on Biblical allusions, Hamlet redefines the position of man assimply “that which came from dust”. From this stance, it is inferredthat solely God is Truth. Man, coming from the lowly earth, cannot bedepended upon to deliver pure and true thoughts, as his source of originitself is impure and unclean. If one establishes this rationality formankind’s nature, then all the characters in the play can be accountedfor.
Другие работы по теме:
Horatio From Hamlet Essay Research Paper Horatios
Horatio From Hamlet Essay, Research Paper Horatio?s role in the play Hamlet, which was written by William Shakespeare, is extremely important. In the first place, Horatio was the person who told Hamlet about the ghost. He also had the job of watching Claudius while the play was going on in order to see if he showed his guilt.
Main Thought Of Hamlet Essay Research Paper
What I believe to be the main and most important theme of Hamlet is that power corrupts and kills. This is evident in many parts of this play. In the first half of this tale, Shakespeare shows us that the power King Hamlet gave to his brother (free run of the castle, ability to get where the king slept) let to the king’s death.
Bla Essay Research Paper IIIi5690Hamlet condemns himself
Bla Essay, Research Paper III.i.56-90 Hamlet condemns himself to life in this soliloquy. He realizes that by escaping his earthly body through death he will still remain in the prison of painful thoughts. Hamlet, the thinker, cannot escape his conscious self and in that realization decides, “to be.” The foundation of his choice is solipsistic in nature.
Hamlet Character Essay Research Paper In the
Hamlet Character Essay, Research Paper In the pay "Hamlet", the main character is a man who wants revenge. He wants it so bad that he becomes obsessed with the idea until it ultimately kills
Hamlet Essay Research Paper Act IV Scene
Hamlet Essay, Research Paper Act IV, Scene vii: Claudius convinces Laertes that he is innocent in Laertes’ father’s death and that Hamlet is to blame. A messenger enters with Hamlet’s letter and Claudius is amazed to find that
Hamlets Sanity Essay Research Paper Hamlet s
Hamlets Sanity Essay, Research Paper Hamlet s Sanity In the second act of Hamlet , it is evedent that Hamlet is not the norm . It comes down to the question of either Hamlet is faking his insanity or he has truly lost his mind. Polonius made the ussumption that Hamlet has gone mad with love, a theory inwich holds it s own from a outside point of view.Through further investigation in which Claudius and Polonius spy on Hamlet by using Ophelia as bate .
Hamlet Essay Research Paper ally funny man
Hamlet Essay, Research Paper ally funny man. Hamlet: why are you throwing up another skull. It could be a skull of a lawyer. So who grave is this man. Clown: It?s all mine.
Love In Hamlet Essay Research Paper Hamlet
Love In Hamlet Essay, Research Paper Hamlet is, without any doubt, one of William Shakespeare’s most puzzling plays. Often times, the reader becomes engulfed in the mystery, trickery and deceit in this tragedy. People become perplexed while reading Hamlet when they ask themselves the question, “Does Hamlet truly love Ophelia?”.
Hamlet And His Revenge Essay Research Paper
Hamlet was bound by honor and a code or righteousness. He could not merely kill Claudius as Claudius had killed his father, Hamlet was obligated by personal, honorable, Biblical, and righteous standards to hesitate until the right time. When Polonius said to Hamlet, “Readiness is all”, it sparked the fact the Hamlet must wait until the perfect time to take his revenge.
Hamlet Essay Research Paper The true nature
Hamlet Essay, Research Paper The true nature of Hamlet”s madness has been an issue of debate for scholars over the centuries. One theory is that Hamlet”s madness was for his own protection. In the time period in which Hamlet would have lived, governments functioned through the usage of intricate spying networks.
Hamlet And His Maddness Essay Research Paper
Hamlet and his Madness Since the play Hamlet was first written and performed, critics have analyzed the question “Was Hamlet really mad?” I personally do not believe that he was, but all of the characters in this play have a different opinion.
Hamlet Act 2 Scene 2
– Compare Hamlet’s Reaction To Arrival Of Rosencrantz And Guildenstern And To The Players Essay, Research Paper Hamlet: Act 2 Scene 2 – Compare Hamlet’s Reaction to Arrival of Rosencrantz and
Hamlets Problem Essay Research Paper Hamlets Problem
Hamlets Problem Essay, Research Paper Hamlets Problem In the play Hamlet, Hamlet is described as daring, brave, loyal, and intelligent, but he is consumed by his own thoughts. Hamlet s inability to act on his father s murder, his mother s marriage, and his uncle assuming of the thrown are all evidence that Hamlet doesn t know what is going on in his own life.
Themes In Hamlet Essay Research Paper In
Themes In Hamlet Essay, Research Paper In William Shakespeare s play Hamlet; a theme that remains constant throughout the play is appearance versus reality. Many things in the play appear to be true and honest when in reality they are not. Many characters in the play give the impression of being honest and sincere in their actions, but in reality they are filled with lies.
Hamlet Essay Research Paper Justifying Hamlets Insanity
Hamlet Essay, Research Paper Justifying Hamlet?s Insanity Hamlet?s insanity is caused by the internal conflict within himself. His obligation as a son is to avenge his father?s death but at the same time also ensure stability in the kingdom. To fulfill his duty Hamlet must kill a king in order to avenge his father?s death.
Hamlet Kings Essay Research Paper There are
Hamlet Kings Essay, Research Paper There are many differences between the Kings Hamlet and Claudius with very few similarities. Perhaps the similarities stop at being the product of the same
Hamlet Foreshadowing Essay Research Paper An example
Hamlet Foreshadowing Essay, Research Paper An example of foreshadowing is when Hamlet’s father came to him as a ghost to inform him of his murder, this caused a rage within Hamlet that foreshadows his revenge. This revenge led to the death of his uncle, mother, and himself. It also created Hamlet’s wild behavior, and caused him possibly to become insane..
Hamlet And Ophelia Essay Research Paper An
Hamlet And Ophelia Essay, Research Paper An example of foreshadowing is when Hamlet?s father came to him as a ghost to inform him of his murder, this caused a rage within Hamlet that foreshadows his
Symbolism In Hamlet Essay Research Paper Symbolism
Symbolism In Hamlet Essay, Research Paper Symbolism in Hamlet Though not much has been written on symbolism in Shakespeare?s Hamlet, there is some there. The first symbol is found in the very first scene of the play. The changing of the guards can be a symbol of the new King in Denmark. Just as the guards are changing, so is the royal throne.
Hamlet Vs Laertes Essay Research Paper Hamlet
Hamlet Vs Laertes Essay, Research Paper Hamlet vs Laertes Both Laertes and Hamlet both have similar and unique personality traits. These two characters are essential parts to the structure and theme of this play. Laertes tends to be possibly, in my opinion, an earlier version of Hamlet. Laertes has a positive outlook on life and seems to make the best of his life.
Compare And Contrast Macbeth
’s And Hamlet’s Madness Essay, Research Paper Madness can be described as an internal flaw that both characters, Hamlet and Macbeth, possess. Although their madness is different in some aspects, it can be said that
Hamlet Essay Research Paper Hamlet Hamlet is
Hamlet Essay, Research Paper Hamlet Hamlet is the inner person of all mankind” as stated by actor Alan Bates. What did Mr. Bates mean by this? Could he be referring to the love, the corruption, the revenge, or the insanity displayed by Hamlet; or was he
Hamlet 3 Essay Research Paper HamletThe work
Hamlet 3 Essay, Research Paper Hamlet The work that I wish to discuss is Tom Stoppard’s play “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead” as a scholarly work in regards to William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, which is included in Sven Birket’s Literature: The Evolving Canon.
Crazy Hamlet Essay Research Paper Crazy Hamlet
Crazy Hamlet Essay, Research Paper Crazy Hamlet Shakespeare The real question is Hamlet crazy or is he just acting it. In my opinion there are many things throughout the play that make me tend to believe that he is crazy. When Hamlet enters Opheliu”s room and she has the question if he is truly mad or if he is just acting.
Hamlet Essay Research Paper There are many
Hamlet Essay, Research Paper There are many reasons why one would think that Queen Gertrude is clueless about the murder of King Hamlet, yet others think she was involved in the murder. People have their own opinions on this but I believe that Queen Gertrude had an idea about the murder. There are many reasons and facts contributing to my opinion on this.
Hamlet And Truth Essay Research Paper As
Hamlet And Truth Essay, Research Paper As the young prince of Denmark, Hamlet, tries to uncover the truth of his father’s death, he has no one to turn to. Many of the characters within the play
Hamlet Essay Essay Research Paper Hamlet by
Hamlet Essay Essay, Research Paper Hamlet by Shakespeare Hamlet’s Sanity Hamlet appears to be insane, after Polonius’s death, in act IV scene II. There are indications, though, that
Hamlet Act I Essay Research Paper In
Hamlet Act I Essay, Research Paper In Act I of Hamlet, the ghost of the king hamlet comes to the battlement, outside a castle in Denmark. Marcellus and Horatio ask the ghost to speak, but
Claudius In Hamlet Essay Research Paper ClaudiusA
Claudius In Hamlet Essay, Research Paper Claudius A Man Masked in Betrayal and Murder What could be worse than killing your brother? Marrying his wife right after! Claudius is the shadiest character in Act I of Hamlet. Claudius had poured the juice of a hebenon (henbane; a very poisonous plant) into his brother?s, Hamlet Sr.?s ear.
Hamlet The Movie Vs Hamlet Th Essay
, Research Paper Hamlet the Movie Hamlet the Play After reading Shakespeare s play Hamlet and viewing the video, Hamlet , many differences and similarities can be found. The video had many good qualities to it. Unfortunately it had many negative aspects also. The same applies for the book. Something s about it were great while other things could have been better.
Hamlet 12 Essay Research Paper Hamlet
Hamlet 12 Essay, Research Paper Hamlet’s “Tragic Flaw” Hamlet’s famous soliloquy (Hamlet, act III, scene 1) shows his depth and ability in thinking, and shows Shakespeare’s ability to manipulate language. Throughout the play, Hamlet stops to think before acting on anything. The more he thinks, the less he does.
Hamlet Act III Essay Research Paper In
Hamlet Act III Essay, Research Paper In Act III of Hamlet much of the plot begins to take it?s turn. It shows to King Claudius that he is found out, he will no longer be able to go on as if he did nothing.