Peripeteia And Anagnorisis In Hamlet

William Shakespeare makes clear his admiration and interests in the Greeks. Whether Shakespeare references Greek mythology, such as Hymen, the Greek god who led a wedding procession or incorporating G reek conventions, Shakespeare did not fail to include his Greek interests in his plays. In what is known as Shakespeare’s biggest play, Hamlet, Shakespeare definitely incorporates the Greek conventions of peripeteia and anagnorisis. Hamlet is seen as one of the first characters to be similar to today’s modern man. In including these Greek conventions, propels and gives body to the plot of Hamlet. These Greek conventions also make the protagonist relatable to the audience. Thus, closely examining William Shakespeare’s Hamlet will prove how it …show more content…
Throughout the play, the audience watches Hamlet go through his existential problems and observes him go through trial and error on how to properly complete his revenge to honor his father’s death. In doing all of these actions, Hamlet is also trying to find his own identity as his contemplates his own life and existence in general (as one can see in the earlier acts). Hamlet discovers many attributes about himself throughout the play which is why there is many examples of anagnorisis in Hamlet. The primary and most obvious example of when Hamlet reaches the point of anagnorisis is in Act V scene 2. This scene occurs right before the sword fight with Laertes. Hamlet speaks as though he is a completely different person when Hamlet says “If it be now, ’tis not to come. If it be not to come, it will be now. If it be not now, yet it will come—the readiness is all. ” (Shakespeare trans. 1996, 5.2.234-235) In saying this, Hamlet has accepted that he has no control over fate/god. Hamlet no longer questions life, existence or fighting Laertes. Unlike the earlier acts Hamlet has a clear mind and no longer is constantly questioning himself or other people. Hamlet understands what he is capable and not capable of resulting in his peace of mind and open almost enlightened words. One can confirm he is at anagnorisis because when Hamlet was dying, he was not angry or scared. A person that does not know their true identity would be very regretful/angry to not be able to do so but this was not the case for Hamlet. Instead, Hamlet guided his unstable friend from suicide and even prepared an heir for his fallen kingdom. There is no doubt that Hamlet truly discovered who he is as a person. Hamlet’s character made such drastic changes for this discovery but in doing this