Denmark Essay, Research Paper
Something is Rotten in the State of Denmark
“Something is rotten in the state of Denmark.” (Hamlet. 1.4, l.90) In every society a distinctive hierarchy or organization of power exists. In the Shakespearean world, life is kept constant through the maintenance of the Great Chain of Being or moral order. Any disruption in this chain is believed to cause chaos in society. In William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Denmark is thrown into chaos by the reckless actions of several characters that fail to follow the moral order. Hamlet is instructed by the ghost of his beloved father to restore order to Denmark and seek revenge on Claudius, the present king of Denmark and murderer of his father. By identifying the various levels of disorder in Denmark an evaluation of the effectiveness of Hamlet’s “antic disposition” as a plan to restore order will be made.
Throughout the play there are various factors that contribute to the disorder in Denmark. Chaos is even evident in the relationships and friendships Hamlet is involved with during the course of the play. In Act 1.Scene 3, Polonius ends the relationship between Hamlet and his daughter Ophelia. His reasoning is that Hamlet is merely flirting with Ophelia for the sake of his own amusement and he will not maintain anything more than a temporary attachment. However, the audience’s knowledge of Hamlet’s character convinces them that Polonius entirely misjudges the nature of the prince’s sentiments towards Ophelia. His love for her is innocent and pure, yet their relationship is cut off and forbidden to continue. In contrast, the relationship between Claudius and Gertrude is corrupt and unnatural and yet no one breaks them up or even questions their marriage. Another problem occurring in Denmark at the time is the amount of back stabbing between friends. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are to have met Hamlet at school and become quite close. However, these characters are quick to turn on their friend and work for the king. They are false friends who are sent by Gertrude and Claudius to discover what is wrong with their son. Their knowledge is superficial and their intelligence mediocre, so they are easily outwitted by Hamlet. They are fools, rather than knaves and their immoral and despicable work for the king behind Hamlet’s back adds to the disorder in Denmark.
At the beginning of the play there are many political and legal matters that contribute to Denmark’s chaos. The preparation for the expected battle with Fortinbras adds to the prime thematic idea of revenge that occurs within the play. The marriage of Queen Gertrude to her past husband’s brother seems unusual as well. Hamlet’s despair stems from his mother’s marriage to his uncle and it is this that is the driving force behind his yearning to set things right. By custom, Gertrude should have mourned her royal husband for at least one year before remarrying. However, she remarried with “most wicked speed.” (Hamlet. 1.2, l.156) She has, furthermore, married within the bounds of an incestuous relationship, making it evident to the reader that Denmark is in a state of disorder. Also, Hamlet has been cheated out of his rightful inheritance and he is naturally indignant at being compelled to live in the hated surroundings of the court. Hamlet’s sense that he has been deprived of his proper place as king and the suspicion that his father’s sudden death was not an accident add to his already felt doubts and forewarnings of disaster that “all is not well.” (Hamlet. 1.2, l.254) In response, he will put an “antic disposition” on in attempt to make things well in Denmark once again.
As the play opens, the reader learns that “all is not well” in the state of Denmark. The appearance of the ghost of the late king is a strange and ominous sign that “the time is out of joint.” (Hamlet. 1.5, l.190) When Hamlet first hears of his father’s ghost, he remarks: “My father’s spirit in arms! All is not well; / I doubt some foul play.”
(Hamlet. 1.2, l.253-254) Hamlet is aware that the appearance of ghosts is unnatural and warns of coming disaster. He understands that supernatural beings don’t exist unless they have unsettled business to take care of. Thus, when the ghost reveals the true circumstances of the king’s death, events really seem to be “out of joint.” The murder of a brother is a despicable crime, and when it is committed something is terribly wrong with civilization. The ghost urges Hamlet to seek revenge for his “foul and most unnatural murder.” (Hamlet. 1.5, l.25) This request establishes the dominant theme of revenge, which is prevalent throughout the play. Hamlet agrees to the ghost’s orders and decides to put on an “antic disposition” for all to see during the duration of his plan.
“The time is out of joint; O cursed spite, /That ever I was born to set it right!” (Hamlet. 1.5, l.190-191) At the end of Act 1, Hamlet is aware of Claudius’ treachery and has promised to avenge the murder of his father. He is aware of the various levels of disorder in Denmark and takes the responsibility of planning to restore order to the state.
He decides to feign madness to gain more freedom of action and to escape the too-close observation of those whom he himself wishes to watch. By examining the chaos within the supernatural, moral and political aspects of Denmark’s society and the corrupt relationships of Hamlet’s life it has been proven that thus far Hamlet’s antic disposition has not been effective in his plan to restore order to the state. In fact, he is defeating his own purpose because his eccentricities have caused the king to regard him with fear and suspicion, and to spy on his actions. His “antic disposition” is drawing a lot of negative attention to him, which isn’t helping in his plan to restore order to Denmark.
Другие работы по теме:
D.R.I.
История "Dirty rotten imbeciles" (D.R.I.) началась 2 мая 1982 года в 4 часа утра. Именно в этот момент Спайк Кэссиди (гитара), Курт Брехт (вокал), Эрик Брехт (ударные) и Деннис Джонсон (бас) издали свой первый "грязный гниющий" шум, обозвав его песней.
The Levels Of The FFA Essay Research
Paper The Levels of the FFA The first level of the FFA is the local level. The local level is our school, Baren County High. Our local level belongs to a larger group called the
Kansas
& Nebraska Act Resolved Essay, Research Paper Kansas & Nebraska Act Resolved Essay submitted by Unknown The Kansas-Nebraska act was a proposal by Sen. Stephen A. Douglas which said that
Machiavellian Philosophy In King Lear Essay Research
Paper Machiavelli s ideas influence some of Shakespeare s characters in the play, King Lear. To use the critic A. P. Rossiter s phrase, Shakespeare s plays are about, the survival of the slickest. The characters in King Lear that reflect the Machiavellian philosophy are the two sisters, Goneril and Regan, and the son of Gloucester, Edmund.
The Tyrone
’s New Insight Essay, Research Paper Greed, drugs, and jealousy may sound like a preview for the next hit movie, but they are just the ingredients of the tragic epiphanies of the four Tyrones in A Long Days Journey into Night. In A Long Day s Journey into Night, by Eugene O Neill, the four Tyrones experience intimate moments of insight into their lives.
Aristotle On Excellence In Leadership Essay Research
Paper “But when a whole family, or some individual, happens to be so preeminent in excellence as to surpass all others, then it is just that they should be the royal family and supreme over all, or that this one citizen should be king.”(1288a15-20)
Church And State Essay Research Paper The
Church And State Essay, Research Paper The issue of church and state has become more important in the 20th century. There are many reasons for this, because in this century people are becoming more outspoken then in earlier centuries. People are now willing to stand up for their beliefs and views, as in the past people weren?t brave enough to stand up and speak up on how they felt.
Hamlet And Human Nature Essay Research Paper
Kami McClure AP English Pd. 2 09-24-00 Hamlet Essay In order to rot, one must first be fresh. In order for there to be evil, there must first be good. In order to die, one must first be born. Thus, the natural state of mankind revolves, as does a garden. William Shakespeare makes this point abundantly clear in his play Hamlet.
Hamlet And The Gravedigger Essay Research Paper
When Hamlet comes upon the gravedigger, he immediately senses death in a new way. After the sudden death of his father and his own killing of Polonius, his presence in the graveyard has an entirely new meaning. Little does he know, the grave he stands in front of is for another friend of his, and there is only more death to come.
Freedom Essay Research Paper State of Nature
Freedom Essay, Research Paper State of Nature To trigger off any philosophy on what should be the characteristics of the state we must first imagine living in a state of nature (living with the lack of a state). Since we cannot trace back to any time that we’ve been without government, we must imagine what it would be like in a state of nature.
Same Thing Different Price Essay Research Paper
Same Thing, Different Price What can I say about college life? It is one of those times where you will spend the most money you will ever spend in your life. It becomes even more expensive when you have to pay out of state fees. Out of state students should not have to pay for these fees. Simply because the students are paying for the same classes that the in state students are paying for.
Hamet Essay Research Paper Your reading of
Hamet Essay, Research Paper Your reading of the ghost will deeply affect your understanding of the meaning of Hamlet as a play. Argue for one or another reading of the ghost?s reality and explain what that means in terms of what Shakespeare is trying to say in the play.
Hamlet Essay Research Paper To Act or
Hamlet Essay, Research Paper To Act or Not to ActSomething was definitely rotten in the state of Denmark: the king was dead of a murder most foul, a betrayal from his own brother, and young Hamlet was thrown out of the frying pan, which was his father?s passing, and into the fire of revenge. One would think that an act of revenge such as this, retribution from an enraged son over the unjust murder of his father, would come about quickly, wildly, and brutally, driven by anger and by rage.
The State Essay Research Paper The state
The State Essay, Research Paper The state is like God, some believe that it?s the all mighty powerful being that controls all and others just think it?s a big overblown idea. The idea of the state (and God) is fairly confusing but rarely ever challenged, except by those rare few who seem to form their own opinions.
Chaos In Denmark Hamlet Essay Research Paper
Something is Rotten in the State of Denmark Something is rotten in the state of Denmark. (Hamlet. 1.4, l.90) In every society a distinctive hierarchy or organization of power exists. In the Shakespearean world, life is kept constant through the maintenance of the Great Chain of Being or moral order. Any disruption in this chain is believed to cause chaos in society.
A Friendly Enemy Essay Research Paper A
A Friendly Enemy Essay, Research Paper A Friendly Enemy “Death is my wish for myself, my enemies, my children” (Euripedes translated by Robinson Jeffers, Medea 11). Medea is hungry for death. She wants to taste it on her lips and wishes others to do the same. The value which Medea gives death is to use it as a weapon against her enemies.
State Vs Nation Essay Research Paper STATE
State Vs. Nation Essay, Research Paper STATE VS. NATION State, as we know today is a political term, which could be define as an institution that organises and makes countries or nations being governed. We could add to this definition that state as institution is a need of society at a certain stage of development to control and to enforce society into a common will.
Hamlet And Polonius Essay Research Paper What
Hamlet And Polonius Essay, Research Paper What About Polonius? One of the main characters in the play Hamlet, written by William Shakespeare, is Polonius. Polonius is the father of Laertes and Ophelia
Hamlet Fate Essay Research Paper Hamlet FateIn
Hamlet: Fate Essay, Research Paper Hamlet: Fate In our world today psychics try to predict what will happen in our futures. What may happen in the future is controlled by a power far higher than
The Noble Lie Essay Research Paper The
The Noble Lie Essay, Research Paper The Noble Lie In book III, Socrates begins to describe criteria for an ideal city. Socrates begins by describing who should rule this ideal city. He feels that they must choose guardians who have the state s interest at heart, because they see it identical with their own interest.
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
The Importance Of Balance Of Power In
Europe Essay, Research Paper B.O.P. essay Without losers, there would be no winners. Moreover, if there were no evil in the world, then kindness would not exist. This is exactly the way the principle of balance of power in Europe operates. It prevented empires, and helped to aid lesser states in their times of need.
Aquinas
’ First Proof Of The Existence Of God Essay, Research Paper I have chosen to write St. Thomas Aquinas proof citing motion as proof of the existence of God. Although I must admit to being a little confused the wording, I see it as being in terms of ability too, act of, and the first to act.
History Essay Research Paper 4 discuss the
History Essay, Research Paper 4. discuss the values which helped the Romans build an empire from a city-state.From a city-state to Roman Empire, the values such as individualism and Greek idea helped the Romans build an empire from a city-state. During a city-state period, the Romans were very concerned about maintaining the customs or traditions of their ancestors.
Secretairy Of State Essay Research Paper The
Secretairy Of State Essay, Research Paper The Secretary of State is the Chief Elections Officer of the State. Also they appoint county boards of elections and supervise their activities. One of the major jobs for the person who takes office is to redraw the district lines after the census in the year 2000. The two candidates for this position are Kenneth Blackwell the republican and Charleta Tavares a democrat.
Dreams Deferred Essay Research Paper Dreams DeferredThe
Dreams Deferred Essay, Research Paper Dreams Deferred The poem, A Dream Deferred, by Langston Hughes, accurately and descriptively portrays the attitudes of African American people during the mid 1900 s. Hughes expresses the possible responses of African Americans to their dreams being deferred by means of metaphors and similes.
Rustlers Of Panther Gap Essay Research Paper
The Rustlers of Panther Gap by Gilbert Morris is a Story of a boy who is determined to help his Indian Friends. The kids at school treat Hawk and Robin Leatherwood rotten, just because they’re “Indians.”
Hamlet The Role Of Women In Essay
, Research Paper The Importance of Female Characters in Hamlet In the time of Hamlet, men were the dominant sex. Women of this period were usuallysubject to whatever faults men could place on them instead of themselves. With Shakespeare being a man of this time it is reflected in his plays, Hamlet is an excellent example.
Laws
– Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau Essay, Research Paper Laws. We all must obey them, but why? For fear of going to jail, or being fined? Those are the individual effects of civil disobedience, but what happens what is the purpose of law in society? Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau all attempted to interpret the need for laws in society, in order to maintain the good of the whole and the individual.
Our Trip To Miami Essay Research Paper
Our trip to Miami, Florida We are traveling to Miami, Florida. We are leaving from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. We will be traveling through 7 states. The capital of Pennsylvania is Harrisburg. Independence Hall is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The states we are flying over are Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, And Florida.
Educating For The Perfect Essay Research Paper
“The hope of making (The Utopian State) would lie in culture. If people could be persuaded to read and write, not just eat and make love, there was still a chance that they might come to reason.” This
Dream Deferred Essay Research Paper Dream Deferred
Dream Deferred Essay, Research Paper Dream Deferred is a stimulating poem that addresses the possible consequences that could result from deferring a dream. The author explores what might happen through highly effective visual similes and metaphors. The importance of this short poem relates to the time it was written (1951) and the ethnic background of the author (African-American).
Critical Analysis Essay Research Paper The case
Critical Analysis Essay, Research Paper The case involving the hog mega-farms in Tatnall County raises interesting questions as to who has proper jurisdiction over such cases. While all sides, federal, state, and local, can claim that they should have jurisdiction, the state has the most power in this situation.