The Most Tragic Element of Hamlet

Shakespearean tragedies are five act plays that revolve around the downfall of a heroic figure whose death affects the welfare of the empire. The hero’s sudden reversal of fate and tragic flaw leads to his downfall. The protagonist struggles with external and internal conflicts as he undergoes abnormal physiological conditions. Shakespeare incorporates supernatural beings, such as ghosts or witches, in order to add to the excitement of the plot. He increases interest in his plays through the use of contrast. For instance, before a tragic scene, he incorporates comic relief in order to balance out the audience’s emotions. Shakespeare also includes characters that provide contrast to the protagonist. http://kilby.sac.on.ca/faculty/KRAMON/English/Grade%2010%20Files/Macbeth%20Files/Characteristics%20of%20a%20Shakespearean%20tragedy.htm

What separates Hamlet from other tragedies is his delay in taking action to avenge his own father’s murder. He says he wants to “know a thou a more horrid hent” (3.3.93). Hamlet reasons that he should find a better moment to murder Claudius and should not murder him as he prays because he is concerned he will send his soul to heaven. This contrasts Laertes’s willingness to “cut [Hamlet’s] throat in church” (4.7.144) in order to avenge his fathers death. The fact that Shakespeare has Laertes and Fortinbras’s characters active in their steps towards revenge unlike Hamlet, agrees with Shakespeare’s style of including characters that provide contrast to the protagonist. In addition, like every tragedy hero, Hamlet's flaw works against him; he excecively thinks things through, which delays his revenge. 

In my opinion, I consider Hamlet's death the most tragic aspect of the play. I feel sympathetic for Hamlet because he is betrayed by all of his friends and relatives except Horatio. In my perspective, because he has an innocent personality, he is hesitant and afraid to take revenge. Even after he completes his deed, he dies and is not rewarded by getting what he deserves, the crown to the thrown. 

To Be or Not To Be

Hamlet's "To Be or Not to Be...." (3.1.64-99) soliloquy is one of Shakespeare most prominent works. Till this day, experts on Shakespeare, including Michael Almereyda and Franco Zefferelli, have come up with different interpretations of this monologue.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YHMYkUrV7A
Almereyda's modern interpretation, takes place in a vacant Blockbuster store. As Hamlet walks down the aisle of action movies, it draws a line to Hamlets struggle to take the first step to avenge his fathers murder. The film playing in the background connects to the central theme of the soliloquy in that it references to death.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdp6dpiK8Ko
In my opinion, I prefer Zeferelli's interpretation of this soliloquy because it is a more purist version than Almereyda's play. Mel Gibson, who plays Hamlet, appears to be more consumed in his mind than modern Hamlet. As he performs this soliloquy in his fathers tomb, it is apparent he is repenting his fathers death.

Rogue and Peasant Slave

     After hamlet delivers his "rogue and peasant slave" soliloquy, it is apparent that he has transformed from a passive to an active character. Hamlet wants to uncover the mystery behind his fathers murder because he is concerned that the ghost may be a devil is disguise.

     One quote in particular caught my eye in Hamlets soliloquy that followed the meeting the meeting of the actors. In the quote "What's Hecuba to him, or he to Hecuba, / That he should weep for her? What would he do / Had he the motive and the cue for passion / That I have?" (2.2.585-588), Hamlet aspires the passion the actor possesses. Hamlet criticizes himself for his inability to avenge his father's murder. He feels guilty that that actor can passionately cry his heart out for a fictional character and he himself has not taken the first step to avenge his fathers murder.  It is apparent that Hamlet wants to think in terms of an ideal hero. The actors passionate speech stirs hamlets drive to take revenge for his father death.