The Essence Of Hamlet
Even after nearly five centuries since Hamlet was first published, scholars continue to attempt a newer, fresher perspective of this enigmatic and fascinating play. The prominence of this play is such that academic disciplines of many diverse types contribute to the plethora of interpretations based on the perspective of their various disciplines. However, whatever new interpretation of Hamlet may be published, one of the topics of discourse that never seems to wane in interest is Hamlet's interpretation of the self. Sometimes, Hamlet's behaviors were such that psychology attempted to ascertain the truth of Hamlet's inner thoughts through its methods of psychoanalysis. Indeed, Freud's ...
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of the self is by first considering Hamlet's interpretation of man in general. Then we consider Hamlet's interpretation of himself, his analysis of his own behaviors and his inner thoughts. Through these two methods, we notice Hamlet's apparent resignation of his soul to fate once all of his doubts are resolved. It seems that Hamlet's obvious priority in terms of the self is not the physical body; instead, he is concerned about the well-being of his soul.
Throughout the play, Hamlet makes it clear that he is not impressed with humans. This is especially apparent the moment he opens his mouth for his first soliloquy. Hamlet is appalled at the lack of time elapsed between his father's funeral and the marriage of his mother, Gertrude, to his uncle, Claudius, and incensed that this incestuous charade is apparently not bothering those in attendance. Upset from the start, much of Hamlet's critique of man is simply a criticism of man's insignificance and meaninglessness: ...
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and marrow of our attribute. (I.iv.19-22)
According to Hamlet, as King Claudius and his subjects have met the criteria by which he can declare that man is nothing more than a beast. The subtle distinction he makes here is that Hamlet is concerned about the general appearance, or form, as opposed to the essence. He raises no doubts concerning Denmark's feats of excellence; instead, he is worried that, by their penchant for heavy drinking, surrounding countries will overlook whatever achievements Denmark may boast and ridicule their drunkenness.
Can it, then, be said that Hamlet is more concerned with appearance and less with essence? Hamlet certainly seems to imply such a thing ...
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"The Essence Of Hamlet." Essayworld.com. July 29, 2006. Accessed April 18, 2024. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/The-Essence-Of-Hamlet/49908.
"The Essence Of Hamlet." Essayworld.com. July 29, 2006. Accessed April 18, 2024. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/The-Essence-Of-Hamlet/49908.
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