The Success of Hamlet
William Shakespeare’s Hamlet has been praised by literary critics as a classic and potent revenge play. It is a tragedy that revolves around the themes of unnatural death, madness, revenge, and betrayal. The lead character, Hamlet, follows the character development common to the protagonists of all revenge plays. His purpose to avenge his father’s death lead to dramatic consequences that affected his morals and relationships. But unlike some of Shakespeare’s tragedies, Hamlet ends as a success. Success can be defined as the accomplishment of an aim or purpose. This is achieved through the fulfillment of revenge, the restoration of Denmark’s diseased society, and Hamlet’s ability to come to terms with himself, signifying …show more content…
As he witnesses the personalities of Laertes and Fortinbras, it is evident that they are merely opposites of him but all with the same struggle of ambition. All three men are motivated by the deaths of their fathers. Laertes is quick to take action when he hears about his father’s death and how his sister is driven to madness. Hamlet hears that Fortinbras is ready to take an army to invade Poland for a very small piece of land. This shows Fortinbras’ impulsiveness and hot-headed attitude, determined to avenge his father at any cost. Laertes and Fortinbras open Hamlet’s eyes to the mistakes that he is making in delaying his actions: “How all occasions do inform against me, / And spur my dull revenge!” (4.4.31-32). He is finally able to be honest with himself and realize his mistakes of overanalyzing and indecisiveness. Likewise, Hamlet also changes when he visits the graveyard. The vision of skulls and Yorick’s skull helps Hamlet understand the idea of life and death. He is able to come to the conclusion that death is the same to everyone and it eliminates the differences between people: “returneth to dust” (5.1.192). He concludes that death is to be respected; it is not something to take revenge for, but rather to value natural death and what life holds. Hamlet’s growth in attitude and ability to accept the human condition supports the character’s success as well as the
William Shakespeare’s Hamlet has been praised by literary critics as a classic and potent revenge play. It is a tragedy that revolves around the themes of unnatural death, madness, revenge, and betrayal. The lead character, Hamlet, follows the character development common to the protagonists of all revenge plays. His purpose to avenge his father’s death lead to dramatic consequences that affected his morals and relationships. But unlike some of Shakespeare’s tragedies, Hamlet ends as a success. Success can be defined as the accomplishment of an aim or purpose. This is achieved through the fulfillment of revenge, the restoration of Denmark’s diseased society, and Hamlet’s ability to come to terms with himself, signifying …show more content…
As he witnesses the personalities of Laertes and Fortinbras, it is evident that they are merely opposites of him but all with the same struggle of ambition. All three men are motivated by the deaths of their fathers. Laertes is quick to take action when he hears about his father’s death and how his sister is driven to madness. Hamlet hears that Fortinbras is ready to take an army to invade Poland for a very small piece of land. This shows Fortinbras’ impulsiveness and hot-headed attitude, determined to avenge his father at any cost. Laertes and Fortinbras open Hamlet’s eyes to the mistakes that he is making in delaying his actions: “How all occasions do inform against me, / And spur my dull revenge!” (4.4.31-32). He is finally able to be honest with himself and realize his mistakes of overanalyzing and indecisiveness. Likewise, Hamlet also changes when he visits the graveyard. The vision of skulls and Yorick’s skull helps Hamlet understand the idea of life and death. He is able to come to the conclusion that death is the same to everyone and it eliminates the differences between people: “returneth to dust” (5.1.192). He concludes that death is to be respected; it is not something to take revenge for, but rather to value natural death and what life holds. Hamlet’s growth in attitude and ability to accept the human condition supports the character’s success as well as the