Explore Shakespeare’s Presentation Of Conflict In

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Explore Shakespeare’s presentation of conflict in Hamlet, and compare it to the presentation of conflict in A Midsummer Night’s Dream Shakespeare uses conflict for varying effect throughout Hamlet. The conflict present in Hamlet manifests itself as a rivalry between the protagonist and his surroundings, but perhaps of more significance to this tragedy, is the internal conflict in the eponymous character. A Midsummer Night’s Dream uses conflict differently. In order to achieve its comic goal, hostility is often presented through the theme of “love,” more specifically, the problems love causes. The second scene of Hamlet begins with conflict between uncle and nephew. This is coupled with awkwardness between mother and son, “Why seems it so particular to thee? /Seems? Madame. Nay it is.” Claudius speaks to Hamlet with warmth, “Tis sweet and commendable in your nature, Hamlet, /to give these mourning duties to your father.” And yet Hamlet’s responses are icy and abrasive, “a little more than kin and less than kind” Hamlet has no wish to be close with his uncle and sees his relinquishing role as king to be an insult to his father’s memory. Any audience will feel moved by this falling out between two relatives, who in all societies are supposed to be close in relationship. Hence, Shakespeare is beginning his play within the conventions of a tragic landscape by presenting the beginnings of a dysfunctional family. Hamlet’s mother also feels Hamlet’s anger as his responses to her are often and more abrasive. Yet where she differs from Claudius is that she still tries to connect with her son and still cares for him, “Ay, madam, it is common. If it be … etc.” Shakespeare's use of enjambment on these lines shows the unnatural bond between mother and son. However, Hamlet identifies the problem between his mother and himself, “yet within a month etc.” Hamlet’s soliloquy after

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