Additionally, Hamlet is constantly seen battling with himself as he struggles to fight his depression. It can be inferred that this terrible battle with self and all the problems in the world around him is then contrasted with the positively portrayed death, more specifically – self slaughter. Not only is…
People make sacrifices everyday, but sometimes they have to decide if what they want is worth the price they must pay for it. In Shakespeare's tragic play, Hamlet, many of the characters make sacrifices to achieve a goal. One of these characters is Claudius, who sacrifices his family and integrity because he values power and control so highly. This contributes to the theme that a struggle to gain power does not always end how it is expected to.…
Playwright, William Shakespeare, in his tragedy, Hamlet, utilizes the main character Hamlet to vocalize his contemplations between life and death. His purpose is to argue that suicide is feasible, although it is viewed as immoral and those who attempt are considered libertines. Shakespeare emphasizes the thorough examination that Hamlet does in regards to his painful life while at the same time being indecisive and fearing the afterlife that would come once he committed suicide. He adopts a somber tone in order to appeal to similar emotions of suffering and pain to convince the audience that life brings upon more troubles than death and ergo, should not be forced upon anyone. Shakespeare begins the soliloquy by utilizing metaphors to emphasize…
Depression has changed the lives of many including Hamlet, the main character in William Shakespeare's play, The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark. Swimming has also impacted the lives of many people. Both depression and swimming can cause a change in lifestyle. “Depressive illness is characterized by low mood, anhedonia, negative beliefs, and reduced energy” (Dr. A B Shaw, 2002). Each one of those symptoms can affect the way a person lives their day to day life.…
In the intriguing and shocking play, “Hamlet,” (J.J.M. Tobin) , the enigma character, Hamlet goes through deep depression and the madness that is corrupting his mind. In William Shakespeare’s tragedy, protagonist Hamlet is upset of all the lies that his most trusted people tell him, and is thinking suicidal thoughts on what is wrong with his horrid life. Hamlet wants his so called justice and questions his life and others in this compelling play. Through Hamlets acts and emotions can prove that Hamlet character changes enormously.…
For someone to be deemed insane, there are many things to be considered. For one, the person must have the “inability to distinguish fantasy from reality”, they also must be free from mental derangement; having a sound, healthy mind. The traditional test of insanity in criminal cases is whether the accused knows the difference between right and wrong following the “M’Naghten Rule” from 19th Century England. Hamlet is a sane man throughout the entirety of the play. It was his consistent cleverness that is the ultimate evidence of his complete sanity.…
Hamlet’s Insanity There have been many arguments as to if Hamlet is insane or not. This is a topic that a lot of people have concerns about. Some believe that Hamlet has always been insane because he has really negative thoughts in his own soliloquy when he is talking to himself. Others say that he was never insane at all and he was just acting it all out as a part of his plan that nobody could know of.…
Although Hamlet was born in the 1600’s the play continues to evolve today. New ideas and twists are added to the play every year, showing us that this play is still relevant in society today. While we don’t speak old English, most of the other aspects of life are still very similar. That is due to the human condition. The human condition is the characteristics, key events, and situations that comprise the essentials of human existence.…
Shakespeare’s “To Be or Not to Be” soliloquy in Hamlet is possibly the most quoted passage of any of his works and even those who have never read the text of the play have likely at some point in their lives heard the famous words “to be or not to be”. While many are familiar with this opening line it is only when one is familiar of the context in which it is spoken that they realize its true meaning which may come as a shock. These lines are spoken in the context of the protagonist contemplating suicide. Shakespeare likely wrote Hamlet’s soliloquy using inclusive language and philosophical concepts when discussing suicide because during the Elizabethan Era when the play was written, suicide was considered a mortal sin and the audience may have viewed Hamlet as a…
William Shakespeare is a master writer who discusses sensitive and controversial subjects within his plays. He touches on timeless social issues such as suicide. In his plays Julius Caesar and Hamlet, William Shakespeare tackles suicide and the weight it carries with different individuals within different cultures. Julius Caesar depicts suicide in regards to Brutus and Cassius, the leading conspirators in the murder of Julius Caesar. Taking place in Rome when honor, valor, and triumph were the most important values; Brutus, Cassius, and other Romans considered suicide as an honorable way to die.…
The theme of suicide can be found in many aspects of society such as literature as well as the daily life of people. In Hamlet, Shakespeare explores the theme of suicide through Hamlet’s life and the way that Hamlet deals with the problems that he encounters. The theme of suicide is significant in Hamlet because it greatly influences Hamlet’s thoughts and interactions with other characters. The theme of suicide is created through the experiences that Hamlet faces while he deals with the issues in his life. The decision whether to commit suicide or to live is based on one’s environment, perspective, and current emotions.…
King Claudius sends Hamlet off to England escorted by his former friends from school rather than facing trial. His ship ,however, never arrived in England, during the journey marauders had captured the ship, abandoning Hamlet back in Denmark. Upon Hamlet’s return, Laertes confronted his former friend (Hamlet) about his father's death. As the confrontation continued Laertes knew Hamlet did not feel remorseful for the death of his beloveded father consequently the situation escalated into a duel. During the dual a scuffle occurred between the two men Hamlet took advantage of the situation and struck Laertes with his rapier, but the rapier had poisoned laced on the blade thus killing Laertes quickly.…
Life is a cesspool of problems. These problems lead to stress and rising tensions which naturally drive people to seek for an outlet of help. The aid which they receive comes in many forms, and the most common one of them is advice. People usually tend to have the misconception that advice can only be good however, this is not the case. In some circumstances, advice can lead to substantially worse predicaments instead of resolving situations.…
For any son, the death of one’s father will definitely have a huge impact on their life however it appears that for Hamlet rather than simple grief or remorse, Hamlet instead turns to madness. Hamlet’s psychological development can be analyzed during his soliloquy of Act 2, Scene ii where he decides to plot against Claudius to revenge his father as well as Act 3 Scene IV. After King Hamlet’s death and putting Hamlet in a situation of where he must pretend to be insane, Hamlet’s true sanity can be questioned through his decision making and through the analysis of his pleasure seeking id, his realistic ego, and his over-thinking superego from a psychoanalytical reading of the text. By taking a look through the psychoanalytical lens, it is apparent through Hamlet’s long soliloquy that the death of his father is very much taking a toll on his mind. Upon analyzing the mental state of the struggling prince, one can…
The readers can tell that Hamlet is very depressed which leads to him being considered suicidal, from the first few scenes of the play. Hamlet sees the world as very corrupt and wishes he wasn't a part of it. Hamlet knows that suicide is a sin, which causes Hamlet a huge amount of conflict within himself. In Act 3, Scene 1, Page 127 is where Hamlet's most known soliloquy occurs, Hamlet says “To be, or not to be: that is the question... Devoutly to be wish’d.…