In many popular works, heroes and villains are represented as simple, one-sided characters, which is the discerning feature that represents the clear distinction between hero and villain. An example of a hero and villain from today’s popular culture that exemplifies this simple relationship is the characters of Harry Potter and Voldemort, respectively. However, in William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the roles of protagonist and antagonist are much more complex and two-sided. The characters of Claudius and Hamlet reflect this unorthodox approach. Although Hamlet and Claudius appear to be a traditional hero and villain respectively, a closer look reveals that they are not. The main factor that sets them apart is the way their actions can be interpreted
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Hamlet does not fit the traditional role of hero because a traditional hero usually will expedite the mission, but Hamlet procrastinates. Hamlet waits almost until the last minute to kill Claudius. Hamlet actually does not want to avenge his father’s death: “O cursèd spite, that ever I was born to set it right!” (1.5.88-89). He believes that he too is weak, and that he does not have the strength to do what his father’s ghost is bidding. In addition, Hamlet acts quite cruel unlike a usual hero. Hamlet is rude to Ophelia after she breaks up with him. He mocks her, and he calls her weak. Hamlet’s attitude towards his mother is also quite barbaric. Hamlet actually says to his mother that he “must be cruel only to be kind” (3.4.179) when he speaks harshly. Similarly, Claudius is also more than just a typical villain. After Hamlet stages his deceitful play, Claudius becomes full of guilt and remorse. He feels so guilty that while he is by himself, he attempts to pray, and he expresses that his “stronger guilt defeats [his] strong intent” (3.3.40). Another way that Claudius is not like a traditional villain is in regards to his ambitions of being king. Claudius avoids conflict when necessary and rules Denmark to the best of his …show more content…
What makes Hamlet and Claudius different from traditional characters is their actions concerning the concepts of chaos and order. Shakespeare’s portrayal of hero and villain show that they are not totally good or bad. Rather, they are depicted as complex and multifaceted characters who are more realistic. This sort of complexity is shown in every character in Hamlet. Shakespeare throughout this play and all of his other plays, displays the complexity of human nature in today’s
Hamlet does not fit the traditional role of hero because a traditional hero usually will expedite the mission, but Hamlet procrastinates. Hamlet waits almost until the last minute to kill Claudius. Hamlet actually does not want to avenge his father’s death: “O cursèd spite, that ever I was born to set it right!” (1.5.88-89). He believes that he too is weak, and that he does not have the strength to do what his father’s ghost is bidding. In addition, Hamlet acts quite cruel unlike a usual hero. Hamlet is rude to Ophelia after she breaks up with him. He mocks her, and he calls her weak. Hamlet’s attitude towards his mother is also quite barbaric. Hamlet actually says to his mother that he “must be cruel only to be kind” (3.4.179) when he speaks harshly. Similarly, Claudius is also more than just a typical villain. After Hamlet stages his deceitful play, Claudius becomes full of guilt and remorse. He feels so guilty that while he is by himself, he attempts to pray, and he expresses that his “stronger guilt defeats [his] strong intent” (3.3.40). Another way that Claudius is not like a traditional villain is in regards to his ambitions of being king. Claudius avoids conflict when necessary and rules Denmark to the best of his …show more content…
What makes Hamlet and Claudius different from traditional characters is their actions concerning the concepts of chaos and order. Shakespeare’s portrayal of hero and villain show that they are not totally good or bad. Rather, they are depicted as complex and multifaceted characters who are more realistic. This sort of complexity is shown in every character in Hamlet. Shakespeare throughout this play and all of his other plays, displays the complexity of human nature in today’s