Hamlet: Character Analysis :: essays research papers

Over the centuries many people have complained that William Shakespeare did an inadequate job of steering the ratifiers of juncture to a specific interpretation of each character. Each reader is left to decide the true extent of Hamlets evil and insane ways or to realize that he clearly is a victim of circumstances beyond his control, therefore declaring him innocent. Because of William Shakespeares writing style, the reader receives little help in discovering who is truly innocent and who is as guilty as Claudius. some scholars agree that Hamlet may be the nearly complex character presented by any playwrite. Over the centuries critics have offered many theories and explanations for Hamlets actions, that none have sufficiently explained him. Many people view Hamlet as a deeply troubled youth who caused many unnecessary deaths, such as those of Polonius and Laertes. Critics who support this theory point out the cruel actions carried out by Hamlet, one example being the indiffe rent and boastful way Hamlet describes the ingenious way he had his two good friend, Rosencrantz and Guildentsern killed.But wilt thou hear now how I did proceed?I sat down, devised a new commission, wrote it fair. I once did hold it, as our satists do, a baseness to write fair, labored much how to forget that learning, but, sir, now it did me a yeomans service. Wilt thou know th effect of what I wrote?An earnest conjuration from the top executive, as England was his faithful tributarythat on the view and knowing of the contents, without debatement come along more or less, he should those bearers put to sudden death. (Shakespeare 5228-45)The way Hamlet treats Ophelia, the woman he supposedly loved, also supports the portrayal of him being a barbarian. If thou dost marry ,Ill give thee this plague for thy dowry be thou as chaste as ice, as pure as snow, thou shalt non escape calumny. Get thee to a nunneryreferring to a brothel, go and quickly, too.(Shakespeare 31 136-141)Another o ffered interpretation suggests that using the information given by the ghost of King Hamlet, Hamlet seized the opportunity to regain what was rightfully his-the throne of Denmark. One less popular belief that has been expressed states that Hamlet was actually a girl, raised as a man, so there would be an heir to the throne. Critics who support this view say that this theory explains Hamlets reluctance and hesitation to commit murder(which is most often viewed as a masculine act).