Hamlet Character Analysis

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The revenge tragedy Hamlet, by William Shakespeare, uses the characterisation and interplay of certain characters to explore many universal themes such as corruption, love and action . Firstly, Hamlets tense relationship with King Claudius espouses the notion of corruption in a political state. Hamlet's relationships with the female characters of the play, Ophelia and Gertrude, offer insight into the nature of men and women, as well as their intrinsic differences. Finally, Hamlet's internal relationship, portrayed through his soliloquys and internal monologues, promote some of the most relevant philosophical themes of the play, such as life, death, action and inaction. These contrasting themes are able to be approached and examined through Hamlet's characterisation as a contrasting figure of the play. These relationships ultimately offer an endless amount of ideas and opinions to the reader. This is highlighted by the perspectives of many respected critics upon the play, such as those by T.S Eliot and Jonathan Bate . All of the explanations offered in this essay are examples of this authors personal understanding of the play. The intense human relationship between Hamlet and King Claudius reveals, through Shakespeare's use of contrast, the concept of corruption and power. Shakespeare does this to parallel the folly of political institutions and power. King Claudius highlights this in his confession speech through the rhetorical question “Try what repentance can: what can it not? Yet what can it, when one can not repent?” This displays Claudius' desperate regret fuelled repentance, which only occurs due to the threat of being illuminated by the headlights of Hamlet's justice. He acknowledges that he will “Try what repentance can”... ... middle of paper ... ...ernal monologue and soliloquys, promote some of the most relevant philosophical themes of the play, such as life, death, action and inaction. These views have been affected by many perspectives, especially those by T.S. Eliot and Jonathan Bate. Kevin, I’m pleased that you’ve acted on the feedback I gave you on March 7th but you must understand that I can really only guide you to a limited extent if there’s to be a relatively even playing field for all students. Your essay makes some sound observations and comments about the play and I’m particularly impressed that you didn’t resort to recounting a film version of the play. The mark of 17/20 is a fair reflection of what you have achieved in what is a very sound response. In terms of the marking criteria your response needed to demonstrate a stronger sense of your own engagement with the text and the question.

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