Hamlet's Tragic Flaw Quotes

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Aristotle’s Five Rules for Tragedy state that the main character should possess a tragic flaw, something in his character which causes his downfall. In William Shakespeare’s tragic play, The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, the main character’s tragic flaw is procrastination. There are five quotes in the play that support the argument that Hamlet’s tragic flaw is procrastination.
The first quote that shows that Hamlet’s tragic flaw is procrastination is, “Haste me to know’t; that O, with wings as swift/As mediation or the thoughts of love, / May sweep to my revenge.” (Act I: Scene v, 29-31). This quote is spoken by Hamlet. This quote shows that Hamlet’s tragic flaw is procrastination, because Hamlet is very passionate about getting …show more content…

This quote is spoken by Hamlet. This quote shows that Hamlet’s tragic flaw is procrastination, because Hamlet is sure that Claudius is Hamlet’s father’s murderer after watching Claudius’ reaction to Hamlet’s play. Hamlet puts on a play showing his father’s death to determine if Claudius is guilty or not judging by Claudius’ reaction to the play. Claudius does react in a guilty way, and Hamlet is passionate about getting revenge on Claudius. However, Hamlet finds another reason not to get revenge, and delays the revenge even …show more content…

That would be scann’d: (Act III: Scene iii, 74-76). This quote is spoken by Hamlet. This quote shows that Hamlet’s tragic flaw is procrastination because Hamlet finds a perfect opportunity to kill Claudius following the play, but once again, does not get revenge. Hamlet, while on the way to Queen Gertrude’s bedroom, sees Claudius all alone, which is the perfect time to get revenge on him. Claudius is also kneeling, which gives Hamlet a better opportunity to kill him. Hamlet sees that Claudius is kneeling and decides that Claudius must be praying for forgiveness over the revenge of Hamlet’s father. Hamlet does not kill Claudius over the fact that if Claudius is killed after he prays, Claudius will be sent to heaven faster than Hamlet’s father will be. However, King Claudius is not praying for forgiveness, he is praying in hopes that he can be sorry for what he has done. It is ironic that Claudius is not praying for forgiveness for what he’s done. This quote is the most important quote that shows that Hamlet’s tragic flaw is procrastination, because one can say that the downfall in the rest of the play is caused by the fact that Hamlet does not kill Claudius when given the perfect chance

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