In
William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Hamlet
faces many struggles that accompanied his return to Denmark. He had to deal
with the death of his father, which is difficult for anybody. Hamlet also had
to deal with the burden that comes with finding out that your father did not
just die but was murdered. Furthermore, he had to deal with the irregular way
his mother behaved after the death of her husband and king. All of these events
and more cause his mental state to deteriorate.
Hamlet’s initial
response to his father’s death was like anyone who lost a parent, he was sad
and upset. Not only did his father die but his uncle took the throne and
married his mother. Hamlet said, “A little more than kin, and less than kind”
(1.2.67). Showing that Hamlet really did not like that his uncle was now king
and his stepfather. Hamlet was also upset because his uncle took the throne
from him after his father passed.
Hamlet already
had a certain amount of hate for is uncle, but one thing solidified his hatred.
Hamlet learned that his father was murdered. “The serpent that did sting thy father’s
life now wears his crown” (1.5.39-40). So not only did his father die but he was
murdered by his uncle. “Ay, that incestuous, that adulterate beast, with
witchcraft of his wit, with traitorous gifts”(1.5.42-3). So after learning that his father was killed
over the throne Hamlet becomes really angry. “O all you host of heaven! O earth!
What else? And shall I couple hell? And thy commandment all alone shall I live
within the book and volume of my brain,” (1.5.92-3). Hamlet is saying that he
is going to kill his uncle for what he has done. His decision to murder his uncle
is all for the love he had for his father. This is evident when he says, “And
what so poor a man as Hamlet is, may do t’ express his love and friending to
you god willing shall not lack”(1.5.184-6). Hamlet most likely felt the best
way to show that his love for his father was not lacking was to avenge him.
Anger and a
sense of disbelief came up out of Hamlet when he saw his mother’s behavior. “O
God, a beast that wants discourse of reason would have mourned longer – married
with my uncle,” (1.2.150-1). Hamlet was furious that his mother hardly mourned
the death of her husband, but instead went and married her husband’s brother. “She
married. O most wicked speed, to post with such dexterity to incestuous sheets”
(1.2.156-7). This incestuous act also saddened Hamlet, “It is not, nor it
cannot come to good, but break my heart, for I must hold my tongue”
(1.2.158-9). As much as he was angry with his mother he was also saddened with
the fact that she did this and that he really could not say anything about it.
The mental state
of Hamlet started in a bad place after only knowing his father died but gets
worse as he learns more. “How weary, stale, flat, and unprofitable seem to me
all the uses of this world” (1.2.133-4). Hamlet felt there was nothing worth living
for after his father’s death. He then felt that the only purpose to live now would
be to avenge his father and kill his uncle. “Prompted to revenge by heaven and
hell” (2.2.559). Hamlet felt horrible that he was now just the son of a murdered
father aiming for revenge. His mind was in a state of I am weak but I have to
do this no matter what.
Michael, I really like like the fact that you discussed how weak Hamlet becomes. The fact that Hamlet's depression is progressive througout the story and goes back and forth of what to do. In today's society people are quick to plotting bad things against other people that have done wrong. I believe that is what makes this story so entriging. Also I really liked your beginning paragraph. Your told your readers exactly what you would be talking about and you stuck with it. It was easy to follow and I learned something from you.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with that Hamlet is hit with all these events, and they all have some part in the deterioration of his mental stability. The death of his father is just the start, yes he is upset anyone would be. Then his mother marrying his uncle so soon after his father's death, it hits him hard even though he doesn't say anything. Even though he wants to avenge his murdered father he can't find the will to do it. He bounces back and forth, trying to decide. Overall you did a good job!
ReplyDeleteHey Michael, I'm very impressed with your thorough analysis of this story! It was a pain in the rear to read yet very intriguing. Your analysis describes very well the feeling that Hamlet has toward his father's passing, his mother's behavior, and the already strained relationship with his uncle. The story dives into Hamlet's emotional and mental state but many readers, including myself, have a difficult time grasping all that is presented. However, your analysis explains this very well. I was wondering what were your thoughts on why Hamlet is apprehensive toward killing his uncle. Maybe he is so distraught that he cannot think straight and as a result cannot plot his uncle's murder?
ReplyDeleteI think at first he is uncertain about what he was told. He was already upset at his uncle but not to the point of murder. So when he is told that his uncle killed his uncle he is furious but i feel he is unsure if he can really kill his uncle. I felt his response to the ghost was more him feeling he had to respond the way he did to show honor and respect to his father.
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