Hamlet Procrastination Quotes Analysis

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One of Aristotle’s Five Rules for Tragedy state that the main character should possess a tragic flaw, something in his character which causes his downfall. In William Shakespeare’s tragic play, The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, the main character’s tragic flaw is procrastination. There are four major quotes in the play that supports the argument that Hamlet’s tragic flaw is procrastination. The first major quote that suggests Hamlet’s flaw of procrastination is, “Haste me to know’t; that I, with wings as swift/ As meditation or the thoughts of love,/ May sweep to my revenge” (Hamlet, Act I: Scene v, 29-31). This quote is spoken by Hamlet to the Ghost of Hamlet’s father. Hamlet is alone with the Ghost who tells Hamlet about and revenge …show more content…

This quote is spoken by Hamlet to Horatio and the watchman. Hamlet warns Horatio that he is going to behave oddly. Hamlet’s actions do not match his passion. Hamlet makes his friends to swear an oath to not to tell anyone about his encounter with the ghost, no matter how he behaves. This quote is important to prove that Hamlet’s tragic flaw is procrastination. Hamlet speaks passionately about getting his revenge quickly, but then decides to act insanity, which delays his revenge for two …show more content…

That would be scann’d” (Act III: Scene iii, 74-76). After watching Claudius’ reaction to the play, Hamlet is convinced of Claudius’ guilt. Hamlet is on his way to Gertrude’s bedroom when he sees Claudius kneeling down. Because Claudius is kneeling, Hamlet mistakenly thinks that Claudius is praying for forgiveness and decides not to kill Claudius. This is the most important quote in the play that proves Hamlet’s tragic flaw is procrastination. One can argue that the cause of Hamlet’s downfall in the rest of the play results when he does not kill Claudius when given the perfect opportunity. The importance of the quote is extended with its dramatic irony. The audience knows that Claudius is not praying for

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