Hamlet's Downfall

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that Hamlet is a complex character with many nuances and subtleties. So complex is his emotional makeup that he is pulled by conflicting thoughts and emotions to the point of mental instability. It shows how Hamlet displays his grief openly, inviting suspicion on himself, which is an unwise move for someone plotting against the king. The writer concludes that Hamlet's negative perspective leads him on a downward spiral to despair and ruin.

From the Paper:

"Hamlet is plagued by self-doubt. His inconsistent behavior is a manifestation of his lack of trust in himself. Not trusting his own senses, Hamlet wonders if he really saw the ghost of his father, which causes him to wonder if the story of the murder is actually true. In order to get verification or evidence against the king, Hamlet contrives to have the actors play out a similar scene in front of the king in order to observe his reaction. Still not quite trusting himself, Hamlet calls upon his friend Horatio to also watch the king and serve as a judge of his reaction to the play. While one cannot really blame Hamlet for questioning his own sanity after seeing a ghost, this scheme is necessary in order to validate Hamlet's lust for revenge. Hamlet seeks confirmation in the king's reaction that he is not insane, that he has a rational hold on things. Without it, Hamlet would always doubt his actions, whether or not he was in the right. After killing Polonius, Hamlet sees the ghost of his father again, this time in the company of his mother. Hamlet is taken aback when he realizes that his mother cannot see the apparition. This feeds his doubts and causes him to question his sanity even further. The timing of the ghost's arrival is telling, however. Shortly after Hamlet spared the life of the usurper, then subsequently killed an innocent man, the ghost appears before him as if to serve as a reminder of his own guilt. The ghost accuses him of waning purpose, which is what Hamlet, most fears in himself- that he will not have the strength to avenge his father."

More papers on Hamlet's Downfall:

• Analytical Essay # 2086 : "The Other Type Of Hero: The Tragedy of Hamlet"
• Analytical Essay # 16630 : "Hamlet as Tragic Hero"
• Essay # 2062 : "Claudius' Traits as A Machiavellian Character in "Hamlet"
• Comparison Essay # 49494 : "Hamlet" and "Oedipus Rex"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: