The goal of this study is to analyze one of William Shakespeare's finest works, the tragedy "Hamlet," written in the 16th century (1599 and 1601) and regarded as his most influential play. This piece of writing focuses on the character analysis of Hamlet from the play Hamlet by examining a variety of sources, including his interactions with others, his deeds, the opinions of those in his inner circle and close friends, and most importantly the opinions of academics and critics.
It is Shakespeare's longest play, with 29,551 words. Set in Denmark, the play depicts Prince Hamlet and his attempts to exact revenge against his uncle, Claudius, who has murdered Hamlet's father to seize his throne and marry Hamlet's mother.
In "Hamlet," we see a change in Hamlet's behavior—from a thoughtful and righteous person to someone more complex and conflicted. I want to explore why this happens, focusing on the moments when Hamlet interacts with the ghost of his father and learns about betrayal.
Using the ideas of Sigmund Freud, a psychologist from the 20th century, I aim to understand the hidden thoughts and unresolved conflicts in Hamlet's mind that led to this transformation. The key question is: How does Hamlet's inner turmoil shape his tragic journey?
Character analysis
Hamlet, the central character in Shakespeare's play "Hamlet," grapples with existential questions and the weight of avenging his father's murder. As the play unfolds, his internal conflicts deepen, manifesting in his feigned madness, complex relationships, and contemplative soliloquies. Hamlet's character is a study in the complexities of human nature, haunted by the specter of revenge and the moral dilemmas that shape his tragic journey.
As with every research, I am to address a question in addition to finding a solution to a problem in my study, how did Hamlet’s internal conflict and indecision contribute to his tragic downfall ?.
Let’s explore the depth of Hamlet and extract a pearl of knowledge regarding the extent to which human behavior is influenced by foretelling.
So at the beginning of the play, In Act 1, Hamlet is plunged into a world of mourning and uncertainty. The play opens with the guards witnessing the ghost of King Hamlet, signaling an ominous disruption. When Prince Hamlet encounters the ghost, it reveals the shocking truth of his murder by Claudius, Hamlet's uncle and the new king. This revelation becomes the driving force for Hamlet's internal turmoil and sets the stage for his quest for justice.
The famous soliloquy, "O, that this too solid flesh would melt," uttered by Hamlet in his first appearance, unveils his deep sorrow and disillusionment with life. This soliloquy establishes Hamlet's introspective nature and foreshadows his struggles with mortality and existential questions throughout the play.
Hamlet's initial encounters with Claudius and Gertrude reveal the strained relationships within the royal family. The tension escalates as Hamlet grapples with his mother's hasty marriage to Claudius. The play's opening act not only establishes the central conflict but also introduces Hamlet's complex character, marked by grief, contemplation, and a sense of betrayal.
The act concludes with Hamlet committing himself to fulfilling the ghost's request for revenge, setting the stage for the unfolding tragedy.
In addition, Act 2 delves deeper into Hamlet's psyche as he grapples with the weight of his father's command for revenge. Hamlet's apparent madness becomes a focal point, raising questions about its authenticity. His famous soliloquy, "What a piece of work is man," exposes his disillusionment with humanity and foreshadows his descent into apparent madness.
Hamlet's interactions with Ophelia in this act are marked by a mixture of tenderness and cruelty. His erratic behavior contributes to the growing sense of unease and deceit within the court. The arrival of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, old friends enlisted by Claudius to spy on Hamlet, intensifies the atmosphere of distrust and betrayal.
The Players' arrival provides Hamlet with an opportunity to test Claudius's guilt through the enactment of a play mirroring the circumstances of King Hamlet's murder. Hamlet's reaction to the play-with-in-play play serves as a turning point, confirming Claudius's guilt and solidifying Hamlet's resolve to avenge his father's death.
By the end of Act 2, Hamlet's internal conflicts are magnified. His feigned madness and the increasing complexity of his relationships contribute to the overall sense of foreboding. This act deepens the layers of Hamlet's character, revealing the strategic mind behind the apparent madness and showcasing the complexity of his emotional landscape.
Moreover, Act 3 is a pivotal point in Hamlet's journey, marked by profound soliloquies and significant events. The iconic soliloquy, "To be or not to be," captures Hamlet's contemplation of life, death, and the human condition. This introspective moment crystallizes the philosophical depth of his character.
Hamlet's interactions with Ophelia intensify, revealing a deliberate cruelty that adds to the ambiguity of his madness. The "Get thee to a nunnery" scene showcases Hamlet's disdain for the corrupt world around him and his conflicted feelings towards love and relationships.
Act 4 propels Hamlet's character into a darker and more isolated realm. The news of Polonius's death spreads, intensifying the court's suspicion and fear. Hamlet's encounter with Fortinbras's army prompts a moment of introspection, where he reflects on his own lack of action and resolve.
Ophelia's descent into madness and eventual death adds another layer to the tragedy surrounding Hamlet. His complex relationship with Ophelia is accentuated by her demise, further contributing to the melancholic atmosphere of the play.
By the end of Act 4, Hamlet's internal conflicts, compounded by external pressures, deepen. The character undergoes a transformation, becoming more introspective and burdened by the consequences of his actions. The stage is set for the dramatic climax in the final act.Finally,Act 5, the final act of "Hamlet," sees the culmination of Hamlet's tragic journey. The graveyard scene opens with Hamlet contemplating Yorick's skull, providing a poignant reflection on mortality and the inevitability of death.
In Act 5, Hamlet's character undergoes a complete arc—from introspection and contemplation to decisive action and, ultimately, tragedy. The play's denouement reinforces the complexities of Hamlet's character and leaves the audience with a profound reflection on life, death, and the consequences of human actions.
Discussions
we delve into the nuanced aspects of Hamlet's character and its resonances with both universal themes and the specific dynamics of Pakistani society. Hamlet's intellectual depth, showcased through poignant soliloquies like "To be or not to be," illustrates a profound portrayal of the human psyche. The moral dilemma embedded in Hamlet's character, exploring duty, revenge, and the repercussions of regicide, adds intricate layers to his persona and stands as a timeless symbol of internal conflicts.
Furthermore, Hamlet's tragic flaw, characterized by overthinking and indecision serves as a cautionary tale applicable to contemporary society, emphasizing the dire consequences of inaction when faced with profound dilemmas. This theme remains relevant as it echoes the struggles individuals grapple with in today's complex world. The discussion extends to the universality of Hamlet's character, serving as a mirror to the multifaceted nature of human experiences that transcends cultural and temporal boundaries.
Drawing parallels with Pakistani society, the study uncovers striking similarities between Hamlet's experiences and those of individuals in Pakistan. From contemplation of life's meaning to political intricacies, familial challenges, grief, and decision-making struggles, the shared human experiences portrayed in Hamlet find a resonance with the diverse tapestry of Pakistani society.
The tension between personal identity and societal expectations, a central conflict in Hamlet, mirrors the challenges faced by individuals in Pakistan as they navigate cultural norms while preserving their personal identities. Additionally, themes of seeking justice and grappling with the consequences of revenge in Hamlet find echoes in ongoing discussions about fairness and morality within Pakistani society. These timeless themes prompt contemplation on the complexities of justice and morality in the face of personal and societal conflicts, transcending cultural differences to touch upon shared human concerns.
How it is relevant to our society
In the timeless tapestry of 'Hamlet,' Shakespeare weaves a narrative that transcends centuries, touching upon themes that resonate with the intricate relationships found in our own society. As we delve into the character of Hamlet, we discover reflections of familial dynamics, political intrigue, and the complexities of human connections that mirror the challenges and nuances present in our contemporary social landscape. So, here is the relationship of Hamlet with our society.
In Pakistani society, the relevance of Hamlet's character is strikingly apparent. Just as Hamlet contemplates life's meaning, many people in Pakistan grapple with similar existential questions, pondering their purpose and place in the world. The political intricacies within the Danish court parallel the political complexities in Pakistan, where power struggles, corruption, and political maneuvering are not unfamiliar.
Hamlet's family challenges, especially the sense of betrayal, mirror situations within Pakistani families, where dynamics, loyalty, and conflicts are part of the familial landscape. Dealing with grief, a prominent theme in Hamlet is a shared experience among Pakistanis, who navigate the emotional challenges of loss. Hamlet's struggles with decision-making resonate with individuals in Pakistan who may find themselves hesitant and prone to overthinking when faced with tough choices.
The complexity of human nature, depicted through Hamlet's character, mirrors the diverse and intricate personalities found within Pakistani society.
The tension between personal identity and societal expectations, a central conflict for Hamlet, reflects the balancing act many in Pakistan perform in navigating cultural norms.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Shakespeare's "Hamlet" delves into the complexities of the human condition through the transformation of its central character. Hamlet's internal conflicts and tragic journey serve as timeless symbols of human struggles. The play unfolds across acts, revealing his evolution from introspection to decisive action, ending in profound tragedy.
Examining Hamlet's encounters, moments of betrayal, and Freudian influences sheds light on how his inner turmoil shapes his downfall. Discussions on his intellectual depth, moral dilemmas, and the consequence of overthinking emphasize his enduring relevance.
In the context of Pakistani society, parallels between Hamlet's experiences and those in Pakistan highlight universal themes of life's meaning, political complexities, familial challenges, and decision-making struggles. The tension between personal identity and societal expectations mirrors the delicate balance individuals in Pakistan navigate amid cultural norms. Themes of justice and revenge resonate with ongoing discussions about fairness and morality in Pakistani society.
About the Author
Department of Linguistics and Literature
Karakorum International University, Gilgit