Hamlet's Identity Crisis

Paper Summary:

This paper deals with Hamlet's identity crisis and shows how this crisis, in part, drives the plot. It explains that this is what ultimately makes Hamlet a tragedy because Hamlet starts off with the noble goal of avenging his father's murder, but he ends up losing everything he has, including his identity.

From the Paper:

"The concept of "success" is everywhere in this scene. Shakespeare plays around with the contrast between Hamlet and Fortinbras throughout the play. Immediately after the scene with Laertes, Fortinbras makes his first entrance. His actions contrast sharply with those of Hamlet in that Fortinbras is immediately successful in accomplishing that which he desires whereas Hamlet takes a long time to essentially fail in his initial goal. Shakespeare introduces Fortinbras in this scene to add to the "tragedy" of it all. Shakespeare also uses Fortinbras strength and successfulness to highlight Hamlet's failure. Had Hamlet refused to fight Laertes, Shakespeare would have no avenue to play out the tragedy of Hamlet. This is not to say, however, that Shakespeare arbitrarily chose for Hamlet to fight Laertes. Rather, Shakespeare uses Laertes offer for a fight to bring to light all of Hamlet's problems."

More papers on Hamlet's Identity Crisis:

• Analytical Essay # 116092 : "Hamlet and Identity Crisis"

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