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He plays a social critic and malcontent, revenger and noble prince. Explain each role and why Shakespeare complicates this character. Which does Shakespeare propose as the most appropriate for him? Why does he have to play all three roles to discover his proper place? Posted by mijeejo on Jan 20, 2009. |
Hamlet Group
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Good question! He is a social critic and malcontent because his father is dead, his Uncle has married his mother a little too quickly after the funeral, and he has been robbed of his inherent right to be King. He is revenger because he suspects Claudius and perhaps, his mother, of murdering his father. Justice must be served to the evil-doers of the world. He is noble prince by birth, but has not had the experience of exercising Princely duties. Instead, he has broken Ophelia's heart, murdered Polonius, arranged for Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to lose their lives, and squabbled with Laertes in Ophelia's grave. The role that fits most is perhaps a combination of revenger and prince. They both come together nicely in the last Act where everyone dies, and Hamlet passes his crown on to the Prince of Norway before he closes his eyes for the last time. It is a noble scene. Posted by amy-lepore on Jan 22, 2009. |
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thanks amy for the post. I have another question Hypothesize why Shakespeare complicates this character? Posted by mijeejo on Feb 1, 2009. |

