SECTION C: DRAMA Hamlet - William Shakespeare From the time that the ghost of King Hamlet called on his son to avenge his murder Hamlet has revealed a tendency to overthink and procrastinate, rather than act Critically discuss whether or not you consider this to be a fair judgement of Hamlet's behaviour between the time he saw the ghost and the dramatic moment when he killed Polonius. (25)
Write an essay
exploring whether Hamlet's tendency to overthink and procrastinate was justified or not, focusing on his behavior between seeing the ghost and killing Polonius.
Introduction:
In Shakespeare's play, "Hamlet," the titular character is often criticized for his tendency to overthink and procrastinate, rather than taking immediate action. This essay will critically discuss whether this is a fair judgment of Hamlet's behavior between the time he saw the ghost of his deceased father and the dramatic moment when he ultimately killed Polonius.
Main Body:
1. Hamlet's initial shock and skepticism:
When Hamlet first encounters the ghost of his father, he is understandably taken aback and skeptical. The ghost's revelations about his father's murder by Claudius are shocking and difficult for Hamlet to process. It is unfair to expect him to instantly accept and act on this information without proper consideration.
2. Need for concrete proof:
Hamlet's rational thinking leads him to want concrete evidence and proof of Claudius' guilt before taking action. He is aware of the potential consequences of wrongly accusing the king and wants to ensure that justice is served. This desire for certainty and fairness demonstrates Hamlet's contemplative nature, rather than a tendency to overthink and procrastinate.
3. Hamlet's moral dilemma:
Throughout the play, Hamlet grapples with ethical questions surrounding revenge and the morality of taking someone's life. He constantly questions whether he would be any better than the murderous Claudius if he were to carry out the act of revenge. This moral dilemma shows Hamlet's introspection and thoughtful nature, rather than mere procrastination.
4. The role of society and politics:
Hamlet is acutely aware of the political implications of his actions. He understands that killing a royal figure, even a corrupt one like Claudius, could destabilize the entire kingdom. Hamlet's delay in exacting revenge can be seen as a result of his consideration for the greater good and his desire to avoid further harm to innocent individuals.
5. Hamlet's mental state:
Throughout the play, it becomes evident that Hamlet is dealing with psychological distress and instability. The sudden loss of his father, his mother's hasty remarriage, and the betrayal he feels from those around him contribute to his mental turmoil. It is unfair to judge his behavior solely on the basis of procrastination when he is grappling with such profound emotional and psychological struggles.
6. The significance of Polonius's death:
Hamlet's killing of Polonius is a pivotal moment in the play and demonstrates Hamlet's capability to act decisively when necessary. This decisive action is not that of a person who procrastinates or overthinks; it is a demonstration of Hamlet's ability to act when the circumstances demand it.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the judgment that Hamlet's tendency to overthink and procrastinate is an accurate portrayal of his behavior between seeing the ghost and killing Polonius is unjust. Hamlet's contemplative nature, his need for concrete proof, his moral dilemma, consideration for the greater good, psychological distress, and eventual decisive action all indicate a complex character dealing with extraordinary circumstances. Rather than being a sign of weakness, Hamlet's thoughtfulness and delay in action can be seen as a reflection of his depth of character.
Hamlet is undeniably one of Shakespeare's most complex and enigmatic characters. Throughout the play, there is a recurring theme of Hamlet's tendency to overthink and procrastinate, rather than taking immediate action. Some argue that this behavior demonstrates a lack of decisiveness on his part. In this essay, I will critically discuss the fairness of this judgment by analyzing Hamlet's behavior between the time he saw the ghost and the dramatic moment when he killed Polonius.
Firstly, it is crucial to recognize the significant impact the ghost's revelation had on Hamlet. The spirit of King Hamlet appeared to his son and divulged the truth about his murder. This revelation would undoubtedly shock and perplex anyone, especially considering the close bond between father and son. Hamlet's initial reaction to this revelation was one of deep contemplation and disbelief, leading to his decision to validate the ghost's claims. This validates that his initial hesitation was driven by a rational desire to gather evidence before taking any drastic actions.
Furthermore, Hamlet's hesitation can also be attributed to his moral dilemma. The ghost's revelation demands that he avenge his father's murder, but this task is not as simple as it seems. Hamlet is conflicted between his filial duty and the moral implications of taking someone's life, even if it is for the sake of justice. This internal struggle is seen through his soliloquies, where he questions the nature of revenge and its consequences. By contemplating the repercussions of his actions, Hamlet demonstrates a contemplative nature rather than mere procrastination.
In addition, Hamlet's actions and behavior are influenced by his surroundings. The court of Denmark is riddled with deceit, treachery, and uncertainty. Hamlet's observations of the dishonesty around him contribute to his cautious approach. He is well aware that acting impulsively might lead to dire consequences, both for himself and the entire kingdom. His thorough analysis of the situation and potential outcomes exhibits a strategic mindset, rather than a tendency to overly contemplate.
However, it is essential to acknowledge that Hamlet may have indeed engaged in moments of unnecessary delay. He frequently questions his own lack of action and accuses himself of cowardice. This self-awareness suggests that Hamlet is cognizant of his tendency to prolong actions, but it also indicates a level of self-reflection and growth. It can be argued that his prolonged contemplation ultimately leads to a more calculated and impactful result.
Ultimately, while it is fair to criticize Hamlet's overthinking and procrastination, it is crucial to consider the circumstances surrounding his behavior. The shocking revelation from the ghost, his moral dilemma, and the treacherous environment all contribute to his cautious approach. It is through these circumstances that Hamlet's procrastination can be seen as a rational response rather than a flaw in his character. Additionally, his self-awareness and reflection further complicate the judgment, suggesting that his actions were shaped by careful consideration rather than mere hesitation.
In conclusion, the judgment of Hamlet's behavior as overthinking and procrastination requires a critical assessment of the circumstances and motivations behind his actions. While it is true that he engages in prolonged contemplation, it is important to recognize the complexity of the situation he finds himself in. Taking into account the shocking revelation from the ghost, his moral dilemma, and the devious circumstances surrounding him, it becomes clear that Hamlet's behavior can be seen as a strategic approach rather than mere hesitation.