Hamlet: An Instrument of Life - Hamlet's Contribution To the Play

Hamlet: An Instrument of Life - Hamlet's Contribution To the Play

Samuel Johnson writes "Hamlet is through the piece rather an instrument

than an agent." This statement is true, it is exhibited in several ways. The

manner in which Hamlet's father manifests himself is an indication of his true

intentions. Hamlet acts as an earthly means of revenge, he is the output for

actions directed by a mortal being. Inner weakness has riddled Hamlet's life, it

runs rampant in his decisions, or lack of, and has plagued his fate. His

inability to overcome insecurity, procrastination, and an over analytical mind

contribute, overwhelmingly, to his downfall. Hamlet allows negative character

attributes to steer his life, the point being, He is an instrument of his own

indecision, which spawned from flaws within his character. Establishing Hamlet's

sanity is a difficult task. It's stability in his life is questionable, but his

contemplation of madness has left him vulnerable to its control. This control

has led Hamlet to act outside of character and in an extremely peculiar fashion.

Hamlet is an instrument of his father, his own self, and of sanity.

The appearances of the Ghost, although sporadic, do not come without

meaning. Hamlet Senior, arguably, is one of Shakespeare's finest creations. The

character was molded using the Elizabethan view on death and apparitions. Such

belief stated hauntings had a communication value that was used to seek resolve

in unfinished business. The basis for Hamlet Senior's untimely visits should be

sought. "Revenge his foul and most unnatural murder." (Shakespeare, William.

Hamlet. United kingdom: Longman Group UK Limited, 1995. Act One, Scene Five, ll

29.) The above quotation provides insight into the Ghost's purpose. Hamlet is a

device that is readily available for use, he is the bridge between death,

vengeance, and reality. Hamlet had been already effected by the marriage of his

Uncle, Claudius, to his Mother, but the factor that remains liable for Hamlet's

eventual downfall is the involvement of the apparition. To classify Hamlet as

an instrument of his father is not farfetched. His obsession with life and it's

happenings cannot be attributed to his madness, the revenge that coursed through

Hamlet's veins provided a platform for his antic disposition to finally be laid

out. One must not lose sight of the fact that Hamlet's vengeance was spurred by

his father, thus making him a tool of Hamlet Senior's involvement and wishes.

Flaws in character have also proven to be costly for Hamlet. Instead of

relying on positive characteristics, Hamlet emphasizes weakness in will,

procrastination, and indecision. "He seems incapable of deliberate action, and