Hamlet's Inner and Outer Conflict in Shakespeare's Hamlet

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Conflict, in literary context, can be defined as “the opposition of persons or forces that gives rise to the dramatic action in a drama or fiction.” Conflicts can be external, between two or more persons, or internal, within one’s self. In most literature the conflict adds to the execution of the plot itself. Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” makes use of both forms of conflict as an essential element of the play. I will show how “Hamlet” presents inner and outer conflicts with examples of each and how their resolutions (if any) serve as a major part of the overall play itself.

Inner Conflict

Over the course of the play Hamlet has a number of ongoing conflicts within himself. These conflicts, in my opinion, serve as Hamlet’s greatest opposition. Hamlet is first shown in a state of mourning due to the death of his father. “With such dexterity to incestuous sheets! It is not nor it cannot come to good: But break, my heart; for I must hold my tongue.” (Hamlet to self, Act I, Scene II, p. 1642) Hamlet’s failure to reveal his true feelings puts his personality into perspective and shows th...

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