Hamlet - Tragedy
Uploaded by Jenalee_13 on May 10, 2006
Tragedy treats human beings in terms of their godlike potential, of their transcendental ideals, of the part of themselves that is in rebellion against the implacable universe and the frailty of their own flesh and will. This quote is very applicable to Hamlet in respect to his reverence towards his father and his belief in the divine as the guiding principle, Hamlets own character flaw, Hamlet’s feelings of hopelessness over his own flaw, and his view towards the pointlessness of even existing.
Tragedy, from old, is a character flaw. A flaw can only be found when you are comparing one to a perfect image. Hamlet compares himself to what he sees as “godlike”. Therefore in his own eyes he will never be good enough. King Hamlet embodied all the high moral values and characteristics that Hamlet cherished and respected. King Hamlet was loving, loyal, caring, and smart, a leader, brave, wise, honourable, decent and just. Who could compare themselves to that without falling short.
Hamlet, like most humans, believes that there is a God, and there will be a reckoning of a life’s sins when the end has come for them. We, (generally speaking), “regard the divine as the guiding principle”, therefore it is not a shock when Hamlet cries out passionately “Haste me to know’t; that I, with winds as swift as meditation or the thoughts of love, may sweep to my revenge.” (Act 1, Scene 5, lines 29-31). He accepts that his father, who was “god on earth” whilst he ruled Denmark, is now a spirit from the heavens. Only later does his Aristotelian Tragedy get in the way.
Hamlet displays many character flaws. He is self centered, everything is always about him, “This time is out of joint, O cursed spite, that I was ever born to set it right. (Act 1, Scene 5, lines 190-191) Hamlet is naive, he shows he is astonished that anyone could commit such crimes as murder for the throne, (“O, horrible! O, horrible! Most Horrible!” Act 1, Scene 5, line 81) and an “improper” hasty marriage, (“Frailty, thy name is woman!” Act 1, Scene 2, line 146). But over all, his most prominent character flaw, the one that guides the play and results in his death is his inconsistent approach to problems. When things call for quick,...