The Complex Character of Shakespeares Hamlet :: Essays on Shakespeare Hamlet

The Complex Character of Shakespeares HamletUpon examining Shakespeares references in this play, Hamlet proves to be a very composite character, and functions as the key element to the development of the play. Throughout the play we see the many different aspects of Hamlets personality by observing his actions and responses to certain situations. Hamlet takes on the role of a strong character, exactly through his internal weaknesses we witness his destruction. In the opening of the play, Hamlet is confronted by the ghost of his father and told to revenge his back off and most unnatural murder. Later on, however, Hamlet begins to doubt the ghost. He then thinks up the Murder of Gonzago to verify the truthfulness of the ghost and also to concede himself more time. After learning the truth, Hamlet still continues to procrastinate the killing of Claudius. Although Hamlet is full of purpose, he lacks the ability to carry out his intentions, and thus allows his character flaw to event ually destroy him. Another characteristic that acts against Hamlet is his excessive melancholiness. Hamlet experiences rejection from his true love, anger from the murder of his father, betrayal from his friends and family, and fear from what lies ahead. These feelings of pain and mourning are embedded deep inside Hamlet, and eat at him like a terrible disease. Unfortunately, by the end of the play Hamlet has stopped struggle this disease and leaves his future up to fate. As he begins his duel with Laertes he says the readiness is all, meaning that fate will decide the future and if it pith death he will accept it. In connection to Hamlets indecisiveness and melancholiness, one has to question his sanity. At the beginning of the play Hamlet seems logical and quick, but this soon fades after Hamlet has his first visitation with the ghost of his father. Hamlet then doubts himself and starts to believe that his eyes have deceived him.