Character Analysis: Hamlet

Prince Hamlet, the protagonist of Shakespeare's tragedy, is one of literature's most complex and enigmatic characters. As the Prince of Denmark and son of the late King Hamlet, he is deeply affected by his father's sudden death and his mother's hasty remarriage to his uncle Claudius.

Hamlet's character is marked by several key traits:

1. Intelligence and Wit: He is a skilled wordsmith, often engaging in wordplay and delivering philosophical monologues that reveal his deep thinking.

2. Melancholy and Indecisiveness: Hamlet is prone to bouts of depression and struggles with decision-making, particularly when it comes to avenging his father's murder.

3. Impulsivity: Despite his tendency to overthink, Hamlet can also act rashly, as seen in his accidental murder of Polonius.

4. Cruelty: In his feigned or real madness, Hamlet can be cruel, particularly towards Ophelia and his mother Gertrude.

Quote: "To be, or not to be: that is the question" - This famous line from Hamlet's soliloquy encapsulates his struggle with existence and action.

Hamlet's relationship with madness is a central aspect of his character. It's debated whether his madness is entirely feigned as part of his revenge plot or if he genuinely descends into mental instability.

Highlight: The ambiguity of Hamlet's madness adds depth to his character and has been a subject of literary analysis for centuries.

Hamlet's internal conflict between his desire for revenge and his moral hesitation drives much of the play's action. His inability to act decisively leads to a series of events that ultimately result in tragedy for himself and those around him.

Supporting Characters: Claudius and Polonius

Claudius, Hamlet's uncle and the new King of Denmark, is a complex antagonist in the play. His character is defined by:

1. Ambition: He murders his brother to seize the throne, demonstrating his ruthless pursuit of power.
2. Cunning: Claudius is a master manipulator, using others to achieve his goals.
3. Guilt: Despite his outward confidence, Claudius is haunted by his crime, as revealed in his prayer scene.

Quote: "O, my offence is rank, it smells to heaven" - This line reveals Claudius' inner turmoil over his actions.

Polonius, the Lord Chamberlain, serves as both a source of wisdom and comic relief in the play. His character is marked by:

1. Loyalty: He is devoted to the royal family and his duties as Lord Chamberlain.
2. Meddling: Polonius frequently interferes in others' affairs, often to disastrous effect.
3. Verbosity: He is known for his long-winded speeches, despite claiming that "brevity is the soul of wit."

Example: Polonius' advice to his son Laertes, while well-intentioned, is a prime example of his tendency towards lengthy monologues.

Both characters play crucial roles in the plot:

• Claudius' murder of Old Hamlet sets the entire tragedy in motion.
• Polonius' death at Hamlet's hands accelerates the play's tragic conclusion.

Their interactions with Hamlet reveal different aspects of the prince's character and contribute to the play's exploration of themes such as corruption, loyalty, and the nature of appearances versus reality.

Supporting Characters: Laertes and Gertrude

Laertes, son of Polonius and brother to Ophelia, serves as a foil to Hamlet in the play. His character is defined by:

1. Passion: Unlike Hamlet's hesitation, Laertes acts swiftly and decisively, especially when seeking revenge for his father's death.
2. Loyalty: He is deeply devoted to his family, particularly his sister Ophelia.
3. Impulsiveness: Laertes' quick temper leads him to be easily manipulated by Claudius.

Highlight: The contrast between Laertes' immediate action and Hamlet's prolonged hesitation highlights the play's exploration of different approaches to revenge.

Gertrude, Hamlet's mother and the Queen of Denmark, is a complex and somewhat ambiguous character:

1. Ambiguity: It's unclear whether she knew about or was involved in her first husband's murder.
2. Loyalty: She seems torn between her son Hamlet and her new husband Claudius.
3. Sexuality: Her quick remarriage to Claudius is a source of disgust for Hamlet and raises questions about her character.

Quote: "The lady doth protest too much, methinks" - This famous line by Gertrude during the play-within-a-play scene has become a widely used phrase in English.

Both characters play crucial roles in the plot:

• Laertes' desire for revenge against Hamlet for his father's death and sister's madness leads to the final tragic confrontation.
• Gertrude's actions and choices deeply affect Hamlet's state of mind and drive much of his behavior throughout the play.

Their relationships with Hamlet reveal different aspects of his character:

• Laertes serves as a counterpoint to Hamlet's indecisiveness.
• Gertrude's relationship with Hamlet is complex, mixing maternal love with disappointment and misunderstanding.