What is Hamlet's tragic flaw?What is Hamlet's tragic flaw?
Many believe that Hamlet's tragic flaw is his inability to make a decision, which leads to his inability to act. His questioning of himself as well as others leads to not only his demise but the demise of others involved.
What is Hamlet's tragic flaw?What is Hamlet's tragic flaw?
I would say that Hamlet's tragic flaw is his indecision and that his famous "To be or not to be" soliloquey is a perfect example of this. Hamlet spends so much time thinking through whether or not he should act (avenge his father's death), that he misses multiple ample oppertunities to do so. I believe he does this out of fear. As a result, he ends up acting impulsively at inoppurtine times (when he accidently stabs Polonius from behind the curtain, for example). It is rash events like this that eventually lead to his tragic downfall.
My take on his flaw is somewhat different than the obvious " indecision and lack of timely action" flaw. This is true, but...
(The entire section contains 14 answers and 1857 words.)
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