Critical review of 'Hamlet'
'Hamlet' 'Hamlet' is a play written by William Shakespeare in late 15th or early 16th century. The main character Hamlet faces many difficulties, which cause him to doubt life, question death and look at human characters. The main problem, which in turn leads to others along his journey, is when he encounters his dead father in the form of a ghost. He tells Hamlet of his murder by his brother who is now married to his widowed wife, Hamlets Uncle and Mother. Hamlet spends the play trying to avenge his father's death and it is questionable to whether he does. In this essay I aim to examine Hamlet's state of mind and personality within four incidents. From there I will analyse any changes that I believe Hamlet to make and why I think they happen. My four chosen incidents are; Hamlets plan for a play (Act two Scene two), Hamlet's famous 'to be or not to be' speech and conversation with Ophelia (Act three Scene one), the death of Polonius in Gertrude's closet (Act three Scene four), and finally, when the news of Ophelia's death reaches Hamlet and leads into a confrontation with her brother, Laertes (Act five Scene one). To analyse the changes in the character of Hamlet it must first be considered how he deals with the news of his father's death before further revelations are revealed and then track his thoughts and actions as the play progresses. It must be determined if there
Show how Shakespeare presents a disordered and corrupt state of society in Act One of Hamlet.
Show how Shakespeare presents a disordered and corrupt state of society in Act One of ‘Hamlet’. The opening scene of “Hamlet” dramatically evokes the mystery world, the thinly veiled situation of every man, caught between the mundane world of the senses and the wider spiritual world just a shade beyond. Shakespeare renders us to tread on a divide, separating the seen and the vast unseen. On the bleak battlements of a cold windswept night, the setting of the opening scene, we are keenly aware of the divide. The exposition sets the tone and mood of the play. In “Hamlet” it evokes an aura of mystery and a confrontation with the unknown. From the beginning, this sense of suspense and underlying mystery pervades the entire play. The action begins on the stark platform of the castle wall at midnight, in the dark as the sentries struggle to recognize one another. The first challenge is given by Barnardo, the relieving sentry, rather than Francisco, the solider who is still on duty. Not only is the question of “who’s there?” preparing the mood for the arrival of the ghost, but it also demonstrates that the people of Denmark do not seem confident in carrying out their allocated roles, suggesting an atmosphere of mistrust. In a few broken un-rhythmic blank verse line, Shakespeare brilliantly establishes the tone of uncertainty and apprehension, and he maintains this
Explore Shakespeare's presentation of Hamlet, his moods and motivations, through his soliloquies in Act I Scene II, Act II Scene II, Act III Scene I, and Act IV Scene IV
Explore Shakespeare's presentation of Hamlet, his moods and motivations, through his soliloquies in Act I Scene II, Act II Scene II, Act III Scene I, and Act IV Scene IV The Revenge Tragedy of Hamlet (approx. 1601), written by William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616), could be described, as the most popular play ever written. It has been translated into dozens of languages, is doubtless being performed somewhere in the world as you read these words and has been the subject of more excited critical debate than any other work of literature. However, why is the play so popular? It is globally popular because the central character, Hamlet, is somebody whom many people can form different views on. In this essay I will try to explore Shakespeare's presentation of the protagonist and to form my own view of Hamlet's character. To do this I shall look carefully at the play and the character, focusing on the soliloquies, which Hamlet is famous for. The soliloquies in Hamlet give the audience "the impression of a man discovering what he thinks as he speaks" ('Hamlet', Cambridge School Shakespeare series). There are more plausible descriptions of the characters of Hamlet than any other Shakespearean character, probably than any other character in drama and fiction. A list of these descriptions would include amiable, cruel, compassionate, determined, diseased, hypocritical, mad,
How does Shakespeare set the scene in Act l Scene l of "Hamlet"?
How does Shakespeare set the scene in Act l Scene l of "Hamlet"? In this essay I will examine and evaluate the ways in which Shakespeare sets the scene of Hamlet, in Act l Scene l. I will be exploring the different techniques used to successfully create a specific atmosphere and explain the significance of certain words and phrases used by the characters. In looking closely at the action and dialogue I hope to develop an understanding of the major themes and ideas of the drama. Shakespeare establishes an atmosphere of suspense and foreboding in Act l Scene I. The scene takes place in front of the castle at Elsinore. The sentries are nervous and even Bernado's opening words, "Who's there?" show a feeling of anxiety, which is present throughout the scene. This feeling is further conveyed by Francisco. He shows his unease at being on guard in his words to Bernardo, "I am sick at heart." There seems to be a sense of urgency and panic which leads the audience to wonder what the foundation of their fear is. This is an effective technique as it intrigues the viewers. By opening the play with such a tense mood the audience is instantly drawn into the mystery of the plot, Shakespeare creates an ambience of excitement. This is enhanced when Horatio asks: "What, has this thing appear'd again tonight?" The ambiguity of the "thing" in question helps to maintain and develop the
Hamlet Movie Commentary
Vanessa Pathammavong 1/29/01 IB English 1B Hamlet Movie Commentary Seeing a film of a play can distort the imagination of the viewer by doing all of the imaging. In a movie, not much is left for the viewer to create in his or her mind. The director creates all of the scenery and visuals instead. One scene effected by the director's decision is scene four of act three. In this scene Hamlet is striking at his mother for marrying his uncle. This scene is acted in Gertrude's chamber. Hamlet has been called to his mother due to his behavior during the play. Polunius stands behind a curtain, listening to the conversation between Gertrude and Hamlet. Hamlet at first responds his mother with answers that reverse the question. Then he hears someone behind the curtain, and impulsively stabs Polonius. Then he confronts Gertrude with her offenses against the honor of his father. For the most part, Franco Zeffirelli interpretation of the scene was commendable. The set was according to the play. Hamlet is shown walking into the room in a crazed manner. He questions his mother in a sarcastic tone. He then attempts to go at his mother and Polonius shuffles. Hamlet strikes at the curtain only once and kills Polunius without seeing him. By only using one strike to kill Polonius, Zeffirelli is presenting Hamlet's determination in revenge for his father. He then chases his
Why does Hamlet delay?
Zoya Kidwai Why does Hamlet delay? Hamlet is given a duty to avenge his father's "foul and most unnatural murder," by killing Claudius, Hamlet's uncle. After the ghost of Hamlet's father reveals the truth about his death, Hamlet is most passionate to fulfill his father's request. However, for some reason Hamlet's determination does not last as he procrastinates, delaying the time it takes to kill Claudius. There are various, underlying reasons for Hamlet's delay and the reason for it is what the play's plot revolves around. Hamlet is acutely aware of the fact that he is delaying killing Claudius, but like the audience, he is also unaware of why. His realization of the delay is first shown in his soliloquy in which he chides himself for being "unpreganant" of his cause. He wishes that he can be like the "players" who are able to "force their soul to their own conceit." From now on, he realises that action needs to be taken, however, his delay still continues until the end of the play. Hamlet is not sure of the true identity of the ghost. At first he questions whether it is a "spirit of health or goblin damned." This greatly confuses Hamlet as he is unaware of the spirits intentions. He feels that he might be tricked by the devil to commit sin. He thinks that the "de'il" maybe targeting him, taking advantage of Hamlet in his time "of weakness and melancholy," so by killing
How does Shakespeare present ideas of disorder, corruption and decay in Act 1 of Hamlet?
How does Shakespeare present ideas of disorder, corruption and decay in Act 1 of Hamlet? Hamlet was believed to have been written between 1599 and 1601 by William Shakespeare, and is considered one of Shakespeare's most prestigious and renowned plays. It is a tragedy and therefore traditionally ends with a death. The numerous accounts of disorder, corruption and decay throughout the play link with the theme of a tragedy and this may be why Shakespeare made many suggestions of this throughout. The play's opening scene is at night in Denmark, where it is very cold. This immediately gives a sense of anxiousness. There are two sentinels (guards) to stop intruders. This means that the people they are protecting are possibly at war and have enemies. Immediately, Shakespeare is suggesting an unpleasant start to the play, it being at night, very cold, and guards protecting people from enemies. The first line of the scene, 'who's there?' immediately gives a sense of urgency and panic. Barnardo is challenging everyone who approaches. Francisco's words, 'tis bitter cold, and I am sick at heart' gives a sense of death and illness. Then he Barnardo repeats himself when Horatio and Marcellus enter, saying 'Stand! Who's there?' This makes the reader or viewers of the play question why he is so anxious and alert. Not too long after, you find out that Barnardo is on alert because he is
Hamlet
Hamlet Your reading of the ghost will deeply affect your understanding of the meaning of Hamlet as a play. Argue for one or another reading of the ghost's reality and explain what that means in terms of what Shakespeare is trying to say in the play. Authors view and message Hamlet's is one of the most recognizable work of William Shakespeare. The primary reason for this popularity is that it go so much criticism that any other play of any artist received. People view this play in different perspective. Obsession, revenge, unfaithfulness, adultery, treachery, and evil are some of the adjective that are constantly being in reference to this great play. The first two adjectives are used in reference to Hamlet, unfaithfulness and adultery for Gertrude, treachery for Claudius and evil to represent the Ghost (the individual view point of the Ghost will deeply affect how we see the play and its character). The take home message: William Shakespeare's Hamlet showed us that how obsession could lead a person to his downfall. It does not matter for whether it was the obsession for the revenge or the fatherly love. Here, two things are different. Revenge and fatherly love. Revenge for his father's murder and love for his father is different. His father died, and he shut his door to his mind. Whatever was in his mind, he just translated in his language. Shakespeare utilizes the Ghost as a
How does Hamlet and Ophelia's relationship evolves throughout the play of 'Hamlet'?
In this essay I will consider how Hamlet and Ophelia's relationship evolves throughout the play of "Hamlet" and whether their love was real and true. I will be looking at Act 2 Scene 1, Act 3 Scene 1, Act 3 Scene 2 and Act 5 Scene 1. I have chosen these scenes because in these four scenes, Hamlet and Ophelia are either talking to each other, or they are talking about the other. I think Hamlet and Ophelia's relationship is essential to the plot because if Ophelia hadn't gone mad and died, along with Polonius being murdered by Hamlet, then Laertes wouldn't have poisoned Hamlet. The poisoning of Hamlet also leads to Claudius, Gertrude, and Laertes dying. In Act 2 Scene 1, Ophelia goes to find her father. She has been frightened by Hamlet, she describes how he came into her room. He didn't say anything, but he was obviously upset. In the lines, "Pale as his shirt, his knees knocking each other, and with a look so piteous in purport" Ophelia seems worried for him, like she pities him. The way Ophelia describes Hamlet's clothing, "Lord Hamlet with his doublet unbraced, No hat upon his head, his stockings fouled, Ungartered, and down-gyved to his ankle" is the stereotype of the lover that has been cast aside. This indicates that his main objective in visiting Ophelia is to use Ophelia to convince others that his insanity was not due to any mysterious unknown cause, i.e. Old Hamlet's
Hamlet - Appearance vs. Reality
Hamlet - Appearance vs. Reality Hamlet one of Shakespeare's greatest plays, where the young prince of Denmark must uncover the truth about his fathers death. Hamlet a play that tells the story of a young prince who's father recently died. Hamlets uncle Claudius marries his mother the queen and takes the throne. As the play is told Hamlet finds out his father was murdered by the recently crowned king. The theme that remains constant throughout the play is appearance versus reality. Things within the play appear to be true and honest but in reality are infested with evil. Many of the characters within the play hide behind a mask of falseness. Four of the main characters that hid behind this mask are Polonius, Rosencrantz (Guildenstern), the king Cluadius. From behind this mask they give the impression of a person who is sincere and genuine, in reality they are plagued with lies and evil. There appearance will make it very difficult for Hamlet to uncover the truth, the characters hide behind. Polonius the kings royal assistant has a preoccupation with appearance. He always wants to keep up the appearance of loving and caring person. Polonius appears like a man who loves and cares about his son, Laertes. Polonius speaks to his son with advice that sounds sincere but in reality it is rehearsed, hollow and without feeling.
