Oct 13, 2008

Hamlet | The Nature of Hamlet's Character

In this essay, the author addresses the character of Hamlet, and argues that Hamlet's actions can be explained by his cautious nature, ethical considerations, and his sense of loneliness.

The nature of Hamlet's character may well be the most controversial topic in English literature. Yet the background which frames Hamlet’s character seems too uncomplicated to produce such controversy.

Hamlet’s father has been murdered with malicious premeditation and for the most reprehensible reasons. Not only has his being been defiled in order to attain these ends, but his memory has also been profaned in their coming to pass. Claudius and Gertrude are both complicit in murder; Claudius has violated the divinity of rule by committing treason; and Gertrude has gone against the...