Everyone can think of a different type of symbol, it might be a rose that represents love or fire that represents anger, and all different types of characters. These symbols and characters are considered literary elements. During the late eighteenth century, Shakespeare used symbolism and characterization in his plays to help develop the plot. Alone, symbolism provides meaning to Shakespeare's writing that goes beyond what he is actually describing and characterization asserts the dominance of the plot over the characters. However, when used together, symbolism and characterization help develop the plot. Examples of Shakespeare’s use of symbolism and characterization together can be found in his two plays, Hamlet and As You Like It.
In Hamlet …show more content…
When Hamlet finds the skull of his former court jester, Yorick, with Horatio in the graveyard near Elsinore in Act V, the skull serves as a symbol (No Fear Shakespeare, Act V). There are not many symbols in Hamlet, but the skull of Yorick is one that can be picked out. When Hamlet picks up the skull and talks to Horatio about the deceased Yorick, it becomes evident that the skull is a symbol of the inevitability of death. Also, the fact that Hamlet was able to realize the symbolism of Yorick’s skull serves to emphasize Hamlet’s power as a character (LitCharts Editors, Act V, Scene I). In contrast, As You Like It is filled with many different symbols. One symbol in particular would be Orlando’s Poems (Crowther, Act III, Line 143). The poems that Orlando attaches to the trees of Ardenne are a symbol of his love for Rosalind. He compares her to Helena, Cleopatra, and Lucretia, the romantic …show more content…
Hamlet, for example, is the Prince of Denmark and the protagonist of Hamlet. He is a bitter and cynical character who is full of hatred for his father’s murder by his uncle and for his mother’s love for his uncle. Hamlet is thoughtful to the point of obsession where he behaves rashly and impulsively. For example, he stabs Polonius through a curtain without even checking to see if it was Claudius. At this point in the story, it is easy to see that Hamlet has taken the role of a madman (Sparknotes Editors, Act III, Lines 145-148). On the other hand, Rosalind is The daughter of Duke Senior. She is independent minded, strong-willed, good hearted, and clever. Rosalind is resourceful when she uses her trip to the Forest of Ardenne as a chance to take control of her future. Her charm is shown when she disguises herself as Ganymede to tutor her beloved Orlando in the ways of love. Only Rosalind is aware of the foolishness of love and is delighted to be in love. She teaches those around her to think, feel, and love better than they have previously (Crowther, Act III, Lines 27-35). Hamlet and Rosalind are alike because they are both the protagonists of Hamlet and As You Like It. Hamlet’s purpose is to serve as the tragic hero and his flaw is his hesitation to take action to kill Claudius. This inaction creates a major portion of the play’s complication and tension. Rosalind’s purpose as the
In Hamlet …show more content…
When Hamlet finds the skull of his former court jester, Yorick, with Horatio in the graveyard near Elsinore in Act V, the skull serves as a symbol (No Fear Shakespeare, Act V). There are not many symbols in Hamlet, but the skull of Yorick is one that can be picked out. When Hamlet picks up the skull and talks to Horatio about the deceased Yorick, it becomes evident that the skull is a symbol of the inevitability of death. Also, the fact that Hamlet was able to realize the symbolism of Yorick’s skull serves to emphasize Hamlet’s power as a character (LitCharts Editors, Act V, Scene I). In contrast, As You Like It is filled with many different symbols. One symbol in particular would be Orlando’s Poems (Crowther, Act III, Line 143). The poems that Orlando attaches to the trees of Ardenne are a symbol of his love for Rosalind. He compares her to Helena, Cleopatra, and Lucretia, the romantic …show more content…
Hamlet, for example, is the Prince of Denmark and the protagonist of Hamlet. He is a bitter and cynical character who is full of hatred for his father’s murder by his uncle and for his mother’s love for his uncle. Hamlet is thoughtful to the point of obsession where he behaves rashly and impulsively. For example, he stabs Polonius through a curtain without even checking to see if it was Claudius. At this point in the story, it is easy to see that Hamlet has taken the role of a madman (Sparknotes Editors, Act III, Lines 145-148). On the other hand, Rosalind is The daughter of Duke Senior. She is independent minded, strong-willed, good hearted, and clever. Rosalind is resourceful when she uses her trip to the Forest of Ardenne as a chance to take control of her future. Her charm is shown when she disguises herself as Ganymede to tutor her beloved Orlando in the ways of love. Only Rosalind is aware of the foolishness of love and is delighted to be in love. She teaches those around her to think, feel, and love better than they have previously (Crowther, Act III, Lines 27-35). Hamlet and Rosalind are alike because they are both the protagonists of Hamlet and As You Like It. Hamlet’s purpose is to serve as the tragic hero and his flaw is his hesitation to take action to kill Claudius. This inaction creates a major portion of the play’s complication and tension. Rosalind’s purpose as the