Hamlet Universal Man Analysis

A universal man, or everyman, is the concept of an individual being admired due to “skills in many fields” instead of their “high birth” status (Universal 1). Possessing the traits of a universal man results in numerous qualities in common with others, thus causing admiration. Throughout Hamlet, Shakespeare develops Hamlet as a universal man not by his royal blood, but rather through the frequent personality fluctuations he displays throughout the many struggles and conflicts he faces, developing perception concerning death and his own growth, and his ultimately flawed personality regardless of efforts to make himself seem more heroic. These “skills,” as suggested by the universal man’s definition, translate to Hamlet’s immense repository of …show more content…
Hamlet is not a distinguished hero in terms on classic literature. His imperfections as a character allow the readers to relate to him because none of us are perfect. Furthermore, it is easier to relate to a character who feels more vuanable, more human. To put it in more simple terms, people relate more with David than Goliath. A key flaw of Hamlet that people can see in themselves is his inherent selfishness. As the play progresses, there is a clear shift in Hamlet’s intentions for killing Claudius. While it may begin as an attempt at justice, his vengeance becomes self serving. Hamlet attempts to justify his killings with the actions of others. Hamlet was once greatly distressed over having to exact payment for his father's murder, even though the reason for such was deserved. Now, Hamlet commends the idea of the "imminent death of twenty thousand men" for a ludicrous "fantasy and trick of fame"(4.4.59-60) Shakespeare’s purpose in uncovering Hamlet’s inherent selfishness is the further his idea of the universal man. He understands that all humans are egoistic, and when put into a situation such as Hamlet’s, everyone views themselves as the hero of the story. In addition, Hamlet’s fatal flaw allows most readers to connect with the young prince. With Hamlet’s tragic flaw being his inability to act, he is plagued throughout the play by his immense intelligence and philosophical nature, which causes him to overanalyze each situation, rendering him unable to carry out any action in response. He decides to put up his “sword, know thou a more horrid hent” so that Claudius “heels may kick at heaven, and that his soul may be as damned and lack as hell.”