Ignorance In Hamlet Research Paper

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Ignorance has many roles in literature and in life. Some say that it is bliss while others claim that it is strength, but ignorance has an undoubtedly negative impact on Hamlet and other characters in Shakespeare’s play Hamlet. While most characters in the play work to keep the kingdom running smoothly, Hamlet remains unaware of anything that doesn’t directly affect him, leading him to develop an ignorance of the thoughts and desires of the people around him. Hamlet invalidates the feelings of those around him because his ignorance prevents him from acknowledging their legitimacy.
Throughout Hamlet, Hamlet exhibits a fundamental misunderstanding of social interaction and societal norms, as exemplified through his interactions with Horatio and Ophelia. After seeing the ghost, Hamlet repeatedly tells Horatio and Marcellus to “swear” (Hamlet, 1.5.144) that they will not speak of the interaction, even after they have already given their word. His sense of urgency in repeating the question suggests that his either doesn’t listen to or doesn’t care about their responses, illustrating a lack of social awareness. Similarly, Hamlet’s treatment of Ophelia suggests an absence of concern for others. Hamlet’s intentional ambiguity regarding his feelings for her as he says “I loved you. [...] I loved you not” (Hamlet, 3.1.115-119) …show more content…

From the beginning of the play, Hamlet faces conflict with various other characters, and the late King’s manipulation only worsens the problem. While the ghost’s only order to Hamlet was “Remember me” (Hamlet, 1.5.91), Hamlet interprets these words to mean that he must be solely responsible for his father’s revenge, and his already questionable mental state forces him to think only of revenge. Even when Hamlet struggles to form a cohesive plan of action, he listens only to his own thoughts, scarcely heeding Horatio’s, or anyone else’s,

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