Grief in "Hamlet"

Paper Summary:

The writer of this paper contends and proves the manner in which grief can and does destroy the life of Hamlet. This paper delves into Hamlet's, depression, self-doubt, insanity and thoughts of suicide which is brought on by his father's death. This paper cites relevant sections of the play which specifically point to Hamlet's self inflicted grief.

From the Paper:

"The next phase of grief leads to self-doubt, which is emphasized by the appearance of the ghost. At first, Hamlet tires to deny the ghost and what it means, calling it a "goblin damned". Almost immediately after that, he calls the ghost, "King, father, Royal Dane". Here we see the beginning of Hamlet's wavering and doubt. Even though he does not know what or who the ghost is, he demands that it answer him so that he might "not burst in ignorance". When Hamlet cannot kill Claudius, he experiences even more self doubt, saying that he is a "dull and muddy-mettled rascal . . . unpregnant of my cause,/And I can say nothing". These scenes allow us to see how Hamlet's grief is beginning to effect his reasoning. Grief also leads Hamlet to thoughts of suicide. One of his most famous soliloquies contemplates "To be, or not to be."

More papers on Grief in "Hamlet":

• Analytical Essay # 68045 : "Death in "Hamlet"
• Analytical Essay # 136195 : "Hamlet: Mad or Pretending?"
• Book Review # 117654 : "The Themes of Shakespeare's "Hamlet"

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