Free Hamlet Essays: Hamlet's Numerous Problems

Hamlet's Numerous Problems

Hamlet's problem is not exact; it cannot be pinpointed. In fact, Hamlet has numerous problems that contribute to his dilemma. The first of these problems is the appearance of King Hamlet's ghost to his son, Hamlet. Hamlet's morality adds a great deal to his delay in murdering the current king, Claudius. One of Hamlet's biggest drawbacks is that he tends to think things out too much. Hamlet does not act on instinct; however, he makes certain that every action is premeditated. Hamlet suffers a great deal from melancholy; this in turn causes him to constantly second guess himself. The Ghost is the main cause of Hamlet's melancholy. Also, Hamlet's melancholy helps to clear up certain aspects of the play. These are just a few of the problems that Hamlet encounters throughout his ordeal.

The last of Hamlet's problems stem from his relationships with the people close to him. Hamlet suffers from an Oedipus complex. Hamlet's relationship with Ophelia also causes him grief. All of the problems that Hamlet encounters make him question nobility. These ideas all add to the lack of haste in Hamlet's murder of Claudius.

The appearance of the ghost to Hamlet causes him much confusion. As Dodsworth states, "Hamlet regards the Ghost as eminently 'questionable' (43), that is, 'which invites question' as Jenkins has it, but more pertinently 'uncertain, doubtful'"(Dodsworth 58). Hamlet does not know whether or not to listen to the ghost. If it is indeed the ghost of Hamlet senior Hamlet is obligated to follow his orders, "It is as he is flesh of his flesh that Hamlet is bound (by 'nature') to act on his father's behalf" (Dodsworth 59). In conclusion, the appearance of the eminently is the beginning of Hamlet's problems.

Morality is the next big challenge that Hamlet faces. Hamlet needs to morally justify the murder of the king to himself before he can go through with it, "Hamlet was restrained by conscience or a moral scruple; he could not satisfy himself that it was right to avenge his father"(Bradley 80). This idea connects directly with the idea that Hamlet thinks too much.

Although Hamlet does not act on instinct; he does understand what it is telling him to do, "Even when he doubts, or thinks he doubts, the honesty of the Ghost, he expresses no doubt as to what his duty will be if the Ghost turns out to be honest" (Bradley 80).