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.
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)
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