The Themes Of Humanism In Hamlet By William Shakespeare

The amazing work we know today as, Hamlet by William Shakespeare came about during the Renaissance period. The Renaissance period lasted from 1300 to 1660. During the 13th through the 17th century when Europe was undergoing a “rebirth” of people and thinking as well as spawned a new era of scholarly inquiry (Greenblatt 32). There are various other writers other than Shakespeare who prevailed during this Renaissance period. People such as Thomas More, Leonardo Da Vinci, and Petrarch. Some major works during the movement are familiar names and paintings we know and cherish today such as “The Last Supper” (Da Vinci), “The Mona Lisa” (Da Vinci) and “Utopia” (Thomas More). The major themes that played a key role in literature at that time were Humanism, …show more content…
However the surreal reality of the situation is that people are heavily coerced by fear. Misogyny is another theme throughout Hamlet that proves Shakespeare implemented some of the various prominent writing themes of the Renaissance. Damaged by his mother’s rebound relationship with Claudius so abruptly after her husband’s passing, Hamlet begins to grow bitter towards women and starts showing a peculiar interest for what he believes to be a link between sexual femininity and righteous dishonesty. This agenda of misogyny happens in intervals throughout this play, nonetheless this still remains a key element in the relationships of Hamlet when he is romantically involved with Ophelia as well as Gertrude. When paying close attention to detail you can detect Hamlet’s misogynistic rhetoric towards women. He strongly advised Ophelia to go to a nunnery and be around the presence of nuns rather then to indulge in the deviant actions of sexual …show more content…
During this course, various materials were read and many famous works were analyzed and the conclusion has been reached as to what the reason is that these works are famous. Most of the literature that was studied was published well before a lot of people were alive, yet these stories continue to have meaning for all people of literature to revere and learn from. Because of this, it is concluded that “literature” refers to works that have universal or lasting value. The Renaissance writings of that time period count as true literature because they are often still referenced in today’s society despite being written from the 13th to the 17th century. Popular fiction is a nice way to pass the time, but most of these works will not stand the test of time the way a work of literature like Hamlet