Hamlet - Was Prince Hamlet Wacko?
In Shakespeare's "Hamlet", the main character offers a puzzling and ambiguous persona. Throughout the play, Hamlet often contradicts himself. He seems to balance the virtues of "playing a role", with being true to himself. Further proof of these conflicting personas are demonstrated by his actions and inactions. The ambiguity noted here, lies in two conflicting mannerisms displayed by the young Hamlet: One that is perfectly calm and rational; and another which displays madness. These conflicting behaviors are related within Hamlet's internal struggle-to kill Claudius for revenge of his fathers' murder; or act responsibly, and await further proof of Claudius' guilt. Throughout the play, ...
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This quote allows the reader to follow Hamlet's train of thought in regards to his role as student, mourning son, and Prince to the throne:
"I'll wipe away all trivial fond records, All saws of books, all forms, all pressures past That youth and observation copied there, And thy commandment all alone shall live Within the book and volume of my brain" (1054, line 100). Hamlet is stating his utmost commitment to nothing short of revenge of his fathers' death. At this juncture in the play, there is little doubt about his state of mind, or intentions. However, the next act belies Hamlet's sanity and reason.
In act two, Hamlet appears again, although it now becomes apparent he has lost the conviction he demonstrated earlier-to complete his destiny as prescribed by the ghost of his father. During this act, Hamlet spends most of his time reading and talking with Polonius, Guildenstern, Rosencrantz, and the players. Not until the very end of this second act, does Hamlet refer to his ...
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the play until the very end. At this moment, Hamlet avows to avenge his father, "I should ha' fatted all the region kites With this slave's offal. Bloody, bawdy villain! O, vengeance! What an ass am I! This is most brave, That I, the son of a dear father murdered, Prompted to my revenge by heaven and hell..." (1079, line 535).
Again, Hamlet is questioning not only his sanity, but his role in life. He also questions the purpose of his role-madness or vengeful son? He had already pledged revenge, but again acquiesces, "Must like a whore unpack my heart with words And fall a-cursing, like a very drab, A scullion!" (1079, line 542). Hence, Hamlet (always wanted to say that!), is now ...
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Hamlet - Was Prince Hamlet Wacko?. (2005, July 4). Retrieved December 23, 2024, from http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Hamlet-Was-Prince-Hamlet-Wacko/29526
"Hamlet - Was Prince Hamlet Wacko?." Essayworld.com. Essayworld.com, 4 Jul. 2005. Web. 23 Dec. 2024. <http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Hamlet-Was-Prince-Hamlet-Wacko/29526>
"Hamlet - Was Prince Hamlet Wacko?." Essayworld.com. July 4, 2005. Accessed December 23, 2024. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Hamlet-Was-Prince-Hamlet-Wacko/29526.
"Hamlet - Was Prince Hamlet Wacko?." Essayworld.com. July 4, 2005. Accessed December 23, 2024. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Hamlet-Was-Prince-Hamlet-Wacko/29526.
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