The Shakespearean tragedy Hamlet can be considered one of Shakespeare’s most complex works. Hamlet features a range of themes including revenge and corruption; however, it is through critical analysis that the greatest understanding of the text can be found. Because of the theme of insanity in Hamlet, a popular critical lens associated with the text is the psychoanalytic lens. Using the psychoanalytic lens, the reader examines the psychology of the characters and author through the author’s choices in creative writing. Analysis of Hamlet using this criticism reveals the mental states of the characters, especially Hamlet.
This is supported by the Othello by William Shakespeare and A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams. Both literary works show theme of deception and characterization that convey the critical lens. If a person does a wrong thing he/she should try to fix it before it’s too late. If they will not take any steps to fix it, it will eventually affect them in a bad way. Both literary works showed how a person did a wrong thing and it has caught up to him/her.
is laid upon your hate That heaven finds means to kills yours joys with love” (V, iii, 291-293) “For there never was a story of more woe, then this of Juliet and her Romeo” (V, iii, 309-310) Tragedy- Reinforced by the death of Mercutio as it is seen by Levin as quite an ironic end, as he has been the satirist- “represents the play moving from Romantic comedy to Romantic tragedy.” Comparing Comedy & Tragedy- Tragedy tends to isolate where comedy bring together, to reveal the uniqueness of individuals rather than what they have in common with others. Examples have been shown with the progression of Juliet whom begun in tragic settings as an only child mother “But one, poor one, one poor, and loving child” (IV, v. 46) whilst Romeo friar reflects on then as “two in one” (II.iv.37) yet again when taking the potion “my dismal scene I needs must act alone.” (IV.iii. 19) reflected in the setting of each of them dying
Shakespeare characterizes Laertes and Fortinbras in certain ways that draws attention to Hamlet’s indecisive character, making them the two major foils to Hamlet. The first foil, Laertes, serves as the most important foil to Hamlet.
Amleth versus Hamlet Hamlet is a classic story written by one of the biggest authors in history, William Shakespeare. But it is interesting to know that Hamlet is based off a story written by Saxo Grammaticus titled Historia Danica. Even though both stories have a number of comparisons, there are also many differences. However, when choosing which storyline is better, the latter one wins. Hamlet has moments which catapult it to extraordinary drama, making readers, like myself, more eager to read along.
One of the more famous lines in Hamlet is, "To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man" (1.3.1). Which of the characters in Hamlet are true to themselves? Does that prevent them from being false to one another? Does the meaning of this quote change for you when you consider that it's spoken by Polonius, one of the play's most frequently mocked characters? 6.
He asks Laertes a similar question, ``Make up my sum. What thou do for her?” (V, I, 281). The difference between Claudius and Hamlet is the reason that they bring up these two questions. The purpose of Claudius’ question is that he wants to use the suggestion therapy to tell Hamlet not to take revenge on him, but the reason Hamlet asks Laerte is based on his anger to Laerte’s emphasis on the grievance. The second difference that can be contrasted is the purpose of their acts of murder.
Hamlet is a distinctive tragedy which segregates from the conventions of Shakespearean dramaturgy, continually exploring in an enduring manner the ineffectuality of vengeance through the inaction of the protagonist. The playcommunicates the futility of revenge through Hamlet’s philosophical reasoning and paralysis, and through the impulsive consequences of Laertes and Fortinbras’ own avenger destinies. Through his antithetical use of character foils, Shakespeare demonstrates the renaissance values of humanism and individual choice, which in turn critiques the traditional role played by wrath and vengeance in Elizabethan tragedies. As such, the audience witnesses that it is this examination of inaction and the inadequacy of revenge which subverts the tradition of tragedy,
O heavy burden!”. His hypocrisy and corrupt nature is demonstrated when he speaks to Laertes, through irony, “There’s such divinity doth hedge a king”, as God did not protect old Hamlet from being murdered by Claudius. Despite this Claudius is not utterly evil; he does love Gertrude and recognises that his “offense is rank ... smells to the heavens”. Claudius unlike Hamlet manages to manipulate fortune and take what he wants (the throne, and Gertrude), the end result justifying his means. Polonius effectively demonstrates notions of corruption throughout the play.
Renaissance thinker’s views would have contrasted with Orthodox Elizabethan views. Renaissance thinkers would feel empathy towards Faustus because he has typical Renaissance features. Overall, in the first scene of Dr. Faustus audiences would have had contrasted views on him. Orthodox Elizabethans would agree that Faustus is a sinful character – so no sympathy would be felt for him, whereas, Renaissance thinker’s would admire Faustus’ risk taking by challenging the established order. Both characters are Wittenberg