The Mind And Internal Identity In William Shakespeare's Hamlet

Why did Claudius murder King Hamlet? Why did Ophelia kill herself? Why did Hamlet vow to kill his Uncle? All of these actions performed by the characters in the play Hamlet have a reason, but where did these reasons originate? As in any narrative the characters are constantly driven by their conscious and subconscious. These internal identities define their emotional state, understanding of the world and those around them. Known as the psyche, one’s internal identity is divided into three parts. The Id, which consists of the basic instincts and expresses a need for immediate satisfaction and avoidance of pain, the Ego, acting as a counter to the Id as it is governed by logic and reason of the real world for decision making, and the Super Ego, …show more content…
29-31). Impulsive as it is violent, Hamlet’s Id is the first to voice itself regarding the murder of his father. As the Ghost departs Hamlet’s passions temper slightly and his Ego and Superego begin to shape this newfound knowledge, his plans beginning to form as he makes those who intend to help him swear their allegiance (1.5.180-81). As Hamlet manipulates those around him throughout Act 2 his psyche falls influence by his Superego, which seeks perfection of the revenge as well as to “…catch the conscience of the King”, his rational Superego wanting to make sure the impulsive Id does not commit a murder of revenge without clear cause (2.2.585). This hesitation in his action, moral or otherwise, begins the ultimate downfall of …show more content…
Hamlet 's actions from this point are driven by his Superego, which at this point functions as no more than a self-rationalized version of his Id. An exhibit of this is in Act 5 scene 2 where Hamlet explains to Horatio that he has modified documents to have those who were previously his friends, Guildenstern and Rosencrantz, killed by the government of England, his proclamation that "Their defeat / Does by their own insinuation grow" (58-59). Later in the same scene, Hamlet delays further his revenge to accept a duel with Laertes, his impulsive Id taking the reins as he strides forth without thought of how such a challenge may be a ruse or trap in some form. Ironically, Hamlet 's impulsive actions preserve his life for a short while longer as he refuses the poisoned drink multiple times in order to continue his bout with Laertes, resulting in the death of Gertrude who drinks in his stead (5.2.291-92). It is not until the Queen dies and Laertes speaks of Claudius ' final betrayal, along with the now assured death of Hamlet himself, that Hamlet gathers the zeal to finally finish what he intended to do in the killing of his Uncle. No matter which of the three elements of the psyche influenced his actions, the result would be the same, as both the rational and realistically moral course of action is that of