Exam (elaborations)
Hamlet Character Analysis + Main Themes Detailed Questions And Expert Answers
- Course
- Hamlet
- Institution
- Columbia University
Hamlet Character Analysis + Main Themes Detailed Questions And Expert Answers
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Hamlet Character Analysis + Main ThemesDetailed Questions And Expert Answers
Hamlet - ANS Hamlet is a multi-dimensional character, becomes a different
character in each scene. He is a paradox. E.g. He can be angry, dejected, depressed
+ brooding but also be manic, elated, enthusiastic + energetic. He is very good at
twisting + manipulating words (e.g. constantly spars with Claudius but Claudius not
smart enough to battle back) but his words control him, stopping him from
avenging his father's death by over-analysing them; "Why, what an ass am I! This is
most brave, That I, the son of a dear murdered... Must like a ***** unpack my
heart with words" (Hamlet, Act 2 scene 2, lines 535 - 536, 538). Hamlet could have
unnatural relationship with his mother, lusting after her. He has a Puritanical
nature where he dislikes sexual activity. He could also be a brutal misogynist
(afraid of love and women). He verbally abuses Ophelia and uses sexual
innuendos; "Get thee to a nunnery" (Hamlet, Act 3 Scene 1, line 119). Is he mad? If
he is, how did he change the letters sending Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to their
deaths. Could Hamlet's flaw be his madness? Pretending to be mad? His words?
His arrogance in deciding life and death? From outside factors and his flaws,
everyone falls with him.
Claudius - ANS He is a good example of a quintessential Shakespearean antagonist.
He is social, has genuine charm + great at being upset over his brother's death. He
is decisive, good at politics + commands the bedroom. He does love Gertrude. He
knows his mistakes + his "offence is rank" (Act 3 Scene 3, Line 36) but does not
want to give up what he took. Claudius shows more heroism by taking
responsibility for his actions but Hamlet causes 6 deaths before he kills Claudius.
He mitigates (decreases) his evil nature. Claudius mirrors Hamlet in certain ways.
For example, they both believe the ends justifies the means. However, Claudius is
wrong as he secretly murdered and lied. Hamlet is right but not from openly
, murdering and suffering the consequences in his conscience. Hamlet wants
contrition (sense of guilt) but absolves (free from guilt) himself before death.
Claudius subverts (takes over) his conscience + does not want absolution so he
does not get absolution.
Gertrude - ANS Her character is malleable. She could be cunning to receive power
with Claudius but also be clueless of Claudius' actions. Hint of Gertrude not being
fully blameless; "Leave her to Heaven/ And to those thorns that in her bosom
lodge/ To prick and sting her" (Ghost, Act 5 Scene 1, Lines 86 - 88). She never
opposes Claudius even when Hamlet tells her of what Claudius has done. Could
have drunk the poisoned wine in Act 5 Scene 2 out of maternal protectiveness;
"The queen carouses to thy fortune, Hamlet" (Gertrude, Act 5 Scene 2, Line 266).
Loves Hamlet (not wanting him to go to Whittenburg University) + wants his
happiness (wishing Ophelia would've married Hamlet).
Polonius - ANS Could be a devoted father or ruthless politician in actions. For
example, sending Reynaldo (his servant) to spy on Laertes because he cares or
protect his reputation. Even when elderly + demented, he is still counsellor to king
+ at least good at politics. Could be victim of contrivances (plotting + spying).
Ophelia - ANS She's torn between expectations of men. Her father + brother see
her as an eternal virgin, dutiful wife + firm mother. They believe Hamlet will take
away her virginity since he can't marry her. Hamlet sees her as a sexual object, a
corrupt and deceitful lover. Does not have a mother to help her. She has to choose
obeying her father or staying true to her love but chooses to obey her father. This
issue drives her crazy since she can't balance it, she can't heal herself of it.
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