Hamlet Essays

Hamlet’s soliloquy in Act II, Scene i is governed by reasons and self-doubts unlike his two previous soliloquies which are governed by frenzied emotion. Not yet convinced of the truth in ghost and murderer, Hamlet vacillates over choices which has different results. Shakespeare depicts Hamlet’s problems of choosing right action …

Hamlet’s soliloquies are a direct insight into his thoughts; they give us a greater understanding of his mental state and his motives, Shakespeare uses them to great effect by giving the audience a direct connection with Hamlet and thereby heightening our awareness of his growing unease and inner torment. Hamlet’s …

The central theme of this play of whether Hamlet should take revenge on his Uncle for his Father’s death or not is reflected in both soliloquies (Act 2 Scene 2). Hamlet almost discusses with the audience what his course of action should be, making both soliloquies very powerful and effective, …

The opening scenes of a play are always vitally important. They must grasp the attention of the reader, arouse interest and expectation. In Hamlet, the play’s beginning is extremely effective, as there is a dramatic purpose to the first and second scene, and this will help us to explore how …

Is Hamlet ‘mad’? Or is he simply performing by putting on an ‘act’? Throughout the play there are many quotes and actions to help us begin to understand Hamlet’s nature, however today there are still many unanswered questions concerning the troubled character. In many productions Hamlet’s character is comical (Hamlet …

A tragedy is when something awful has happened, in this case, Hamlet’s father, Old Hamlet, has died. A ‘Revenge Tragedy’ is set. Hamlet’s mission is to avenge his father’s death. A ‘Revenge Tragedy’ is always a very exciting theme for a story and that is why it was popular in …

At the beginning of Hamlet, Hamlet is reprimanded by Claudius because of grieving for his father, King Hamlet. Claudius calls Hamlet unmanly ‘Of impious stubbornness, ‘tis unmanly grief.’ Claudius’ use of the word ‘Unmanly’ suggests Hamlet is frail like a woman, this shows in Hamlet not just women are weak …

In her article “Representing Ophelia: Women, Madness and the Responsibilities of Feminist Criticism”, Elaine Showalter states that Ophelia’s tragedy “is subordinated in the play”. Hamlet is an Elizabethan play written by William Shakespeare – named after the protagonist. Hamlet, feels responsible to take revenge on his father’s murderer, Claudius, and …

Shakespeare’s characterization of Gertrude and Ophelia in Hamlet is paradoxical as it challenges as well as complements the contemporary social traditions and norms. Gertrude is the best example of this paradox that is manifested through her extraordinary supremacy over all the major characters of Hamlet, her influence in the court …

            William Shakespeare came down in history as one of the greatest playwrights of from his times and for generations to come. His legacy included the best works of literature, even in the present age. Hamlet and Macbeth were two tragedies that he had written that reflected his place literature. …