Examples Of Ambiguity In Hamlet

In William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, there are many events where ambiguity seems to stand out. In fact, Hamlet, the main character of the play, seems to possess ambiguous traits that results in complexion in his motives. For example, his use of language is equivocal as Hamlet uses his words to confuse and insult other characters in the play. Hamlet’s personality is quite enigmatic as a result of his “antic disposition” and quick transitions to a different mood. Moreover, the decisions that Hamlet makes to delay Claudius’ murder in the play can be interpreted to have various explanations. Throughout the whole play, Hamlet manipulates his words to insult others and convince them that his is mad. In fact, as soon as Hamlet is introduced in beginning,

Throughout the play, Hamlet changes from one mood to another in a short amount of time. For example, in his “Oh that this too too sullied flesh” (1.2.129) soliloquy, Hamlet talks about how the world is nothing but “an unweeded garden” and that he has no purpose to live. However, as soon as Horatio arrives, Hamlet changes from being depressed and suicidal to happy and joyous. In addition, Hamlet changes temperaments again when he follows the ghost of his dead father. When he is being stopped by Horatio and Marcellus as the ghost may drive him mad, Hamlet says “unhand me gentlemen,/ By heaven I’ll make a ghost of him that lets me:” (1.4.84-85). Hamlet is supposed to be a man of reason and thought as he studies psychology in Wittenberg. However, he seems to oddly follow his emotions and passion as he feels that the he is obliged to follow the ghost. This portrays Hamlet having ambiguous temperaments as he jumps from who he is to who he wants to be. Hamlet wants to have a happy life however, all the unfortunate events, such as his uncle marrying his mother and his father dying, prevent him from being so. His reaction to these situations displays that his personality is quite