Hamlet the Hero

Paper Summary:

In keeping with the revenge-theme of the drama, this paper examines how Shakespeare exalts Hamlet as a hero justifiably, though within reason. It discusses how indeed, Hamlet is a hero since he rights a horrible wrong and how the reader of the play hopes that his quest for vengeance is successful.

From the Paper:

"A quick summary of the play reveals that the ghost of Hamlet's father (we assume) visits Hamlet's friends, and later, Hamlet, to inform him that his death two months prior was not due to a snake-bite as announced. It was his brother Claudius, having an adulterous affair with his wife Gertrude, who had killed the king by pouring poison in his ear. This new information rouses Hamlet from his depression or melancholia. He vows revenge. Revenge his foul and most unnatural murder. (1, iv). He informs his close friends that he will feign madness in his vengeful quest. In the end, Hamlet does earn his revenge. Hamlet kills Claudius. Unfortunately however, all this comes at a cost of Hamlet's own life, that of his mother Gertrude, his prospective brother-in-law Laertes, and his prospective father-in-law Polonius. "

More papers on Hamlet the Hero:

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• Analytical Essay # 8378 : "The Hero/Antihero Motif in Literature"

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