Filter Your Search Results:

Chain Reaction in Hamlet Essay

Rating:
By:
Book:
Pages:
Words:
Views:
Type:

Consecutive misconceptions cause a fallacious interpretation of reality, broadcasted by the power of words, Hamlets greatest strength and weakness, which cause unpleasant tribulations to each character in the play. While Hamlet possessed an ear (and mind) that had the ability to filter fabrications, other characters appeared to be less fortunate in determining what seems to be and what is.

One of the most interesting things in Hamlet is that every figure is predestined. The first individual we happen upon that is the first to perish, is King Hamlet, who was envenomed via his ear by his brother, Claudius. The ghost, having Claudiuss erosive and unethical ways in mind, vocalizes how these qualities will be undesirably executed in Denmark. A serpent stung me. So the whole ear of Denmarkrankly abusedthe serpent that did sting thy fathers death, now wears the crown. (I.V.43-47.) Meanwhile, Claudius presents himself as the insightful politician, when in actuality, he is simply trying to disguise his other, cruel intentions. He also manages to make it seem that he cares for the death of his brother, even though it was he who caused it, Though yet of Hamlet our dear brothers death the memory be green, and that it is us befitted to bear our hearts in grief, and our whole kingdom to be contracted in one brow of woe (I.II.1-4.) And somehow Claudius managed to deceive the state of Denmark. With his canny campaigning skills, he would merely use his words so his power and influence increase. Since ears are meant to absorb words, for Claudius to poison King Hamlet in his ear represents Claudiuss use of malignant words and how it will eventually have an abrasive effect on Denmark. However, King Hamlet turns out not to be the only character whose ears are poisoned. Albeit not literally poisoned, each character receives the poison in the form of words, and subsequently passes the poison unto another, and they, unto another. As a result, words are triggering delusions left and right.

In Shakespeares Hamlet, the inability to grasp the truth is unavoidable. Typically, words are used to articulate ideas, however, in Hamlet they are most often used to exploit other characters and to contort the truth, ultimately causing inevitable consequences throughout the aristocracy in the state of Denmark. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are both primary examples of how Claudius would manipulate people with words to do whatever his heart desires. After seeing a change in Hamlet, Claudius requests the help of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to find out the cause of Hamlets change in attitude. And to gather so much as from occasion you may glean, [whether aught to us unknown afflicts him thus] that, opened, lies within our remedy. (II.II.15-19.) Although Rosencrantz and Guildenstern appear to genuinely be worried about Hamlets sanity (at least at first), they are simply acting upon the request of King Claudius. Albeit, Hamlet does in fact catch onto their false endeavors, and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern eventually get what they deserved.

After Gertrude marries Claudius, Hamlet adopts a pessimistic view on all women saying, frailty, thy name is woman (I.II.46.) When the newly mad Hamlet runs into Ophelia, he says to her for the power of beauty will sooner transform honesty from what it is to a bawd than the force of honesty can translate beauty into his likeness (III.I.121-124.) Essentially it is saying that too much attention on a beautiful girl will spoil her, and prohibit her from being honest. He then goes on to say I loved you not (III.I.129.) meaning that Ophelias beauty caused him to lie, and not be realistic. Although Hamlet did in fact love Ophelia, hes attempting to argue that when he said he loved her, it was really her beauty that was cheating his honesty. In this case, appearance conquered reality.

In Shakespeares Hamlet, what seems isnt always the same as being. The theme of Appearance vs. Reality is set when the ignorant Gertrude questions Hamlet, Why seems it so particular with thee? (I.II.78.) And Hamlets response is, Seems, madam? Nay, it is. I know not seems (I.II.79.) Which is Hamlets true deposition of his current emotion.

You'll need to sign up to view the entire essay.

Sign Up Now, It's FREE
Filter Your Search Results: