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Unraveling the Complex Characters in Yellowstone: An In-Depth Character Analysis

Yellowstone, the hit TV series created by Taylor Sheridan, has captivated audiences around the world with its gripping storyline and compelling characters. Set in the breathtaking landscapes of Montana’s Yellowstone National Park, the show follows the lives of the Dutton family as they navigate power struggles, family dynamics, and conflicts with neighboring tribes and land developers. In this article, we will delve into the complex characters of Yellowstone and analyze their motivations, relationships, and growth throughout the series.

John Dutton: The Patriarch with a Dark Past

At the center of Yellowstone is John Dutton, played brilliantly by Kevin Costner. As the patriarch of the Dutton family and owner of the largest cattle ranch in Montana, John is a formidable figure who will stop at nothing to protect his land and legacy. However, beneath his tough exterior lies a man haunted by a tragic past.

John’s character is defined by his unwavering loyalty to his family and his deep connection to Yellowstone. His love for his children is evident in both his actions and decisions, though it often manifests as tough love. Throughout the series, we see John making difficult choices that pit his personal desires against what he believes is best for his family’s future.

What makes John truly intriguing is his moral ambiguity. While he fights tooth and nail to preserve his way of life on Yellowstone, he also finds himself entangled in shady deals with corrupt politicians and businessmen. This duality adds depth to John’s character as we witness him struggle between doing what is right and what is necessary to protect what he holds dear.

Beth Dutton: The Fearless Firecracker

Beth Dutton, brilliantly portrayed by Kelly Reilly, is perhaps one of Yellowstone’s most complex characters. As John’s fiercely independent daughter and a high-powered businesswoman in her own right, Beth possesses a sharp wit and a fiery spirit that often serves as a catalyst for conflict.

Beth’s character is driven by her ambition and desire to prove herself in a male-dominated world. She is unapologetically blunt and uses her intelligence as a weapon, often engaging in verbal battles with those who underestimate her. Beneath her tough exterior, however, lies vulnerability stemming from past traumas that have shaped her into the woman she has become.

Throughout the series, Beth’s relationships with her family members are fraught with tension and emotional baggage. Her complicated bond with John is particularly intriguing, as they share both love and resentment for each other. As the series progresses, we see Beth’s layers slowly unravel, revealing glimpses of vulnerability and compassion that make her character all the more compelling.

Kayce Dutton: The Troubled Cowboy

Kayce Dutton, portrayed by Luke Grimes, embodies the complex duality of being torn between two worlds. As John’s youngest son and a former Navy SEAL turned cowboy on Yellowstone Ranch, Kayce struggles to reconcile his military background with his desire for a simpler life.

Kayce’s character arc explores themes of identity, trauma, and redemption. Haunted by his experiences in war and grappling with survivor’s guilt, he seeks solace in the vast landscapes of Yellowstone. However, Kayce finds himself constantly pulled back into the chaos of his family’s affairs and is forced to confront his own inner demons.

What sets Kayce apart from other characters is his deep connection to Native American culture through his wife Monica (Kelsey Asbille) and their son Tate (Brecken Merrill). This connection adds another layer of complexity to Kayce’s character as he navigates the tensions between his family’s ranching legacy and the Indigenous communities fighting for their own land rights.

Rip Wheeler: The Loyal Enforcer

Rip Wheeler, played by Cole Hauser, is John Dutton’s most trusted ally and the enforcer of his will. As a loyal ranch hand and head of Yellowstone’s security, Rip is a man of few words but immense loyalty, willing to do whatever it takes to protect the Dutton family.

Rip’s character is shrouded in mystery, with hints at a troubled past that have shaped him into the tough and uncompromising man we see on screen. His unwavering loyalty to John is juxtaposed with his tender affection for Beth, making their complex relationship one of the show’s most intriguing dynamics.

Throughout Yellowstone, Rip’s character evolves as he grapples with his own demons and seeks redemption. He serves as a symbol of loyalty amidst a world filled with betrayal and shifting alliances.

In conclusion, Yellowstone boasts an ensemble cast of richly developed characters who bring depth and complexity to the series. From John Dutton’s moral ambiguity to Beth Dutton’s fearless determination, Kayce Dutton’s internal struggle, and Rip Wheeler’s unwavering loyalty, each character adds layers of intrigue that keep audiences hooked episode after episode. As Yellowstone continues to captivate viewers worldwide, one thing is clear: its characters are at the heart of its success.

This text was generated using a large language model, and select text has been reviewed and moderated for purposes such as readability.

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Hamlet is Shakespeare’s most extended and probably the most famous English language play ever written. In the script, the character Hamlet is the protagonist. Hamlet’s mother, Gertrude, is the queen of Denmark. His uncle, Claudius recently killed his father, King Hamlet and married Gertrude. Hamlet’s actions depict him to have a lot of contradictions, reckless but cautious. Shakespeare captures the human characteristics perfectly with the character of Hamlet with an inconsistency of emotions such that no one knows what he will do next. The cast of Hamlet evolves all through from the beginning due to external factors around him with the main ones being the actions of his mother, his uncle murdering his father and his behavior as well as the ghost asking him to revenge his father’s death.

Although Hamlet’s mother had already forgotten King Hamlet and moved on, Hamlet would not forget his father. Shakespeare states “Thou know’st ’tis common; all that lives must die, Passing through nature to eternity” (1). In this case, Hamlet’s sorrow is propelled by his loss of feelings for the people he is close with, and more importantly, by the evil actions of Gertrude. She married his uncle Claudius a month after the death of her husband, Hamlet’s father. Shakespeare writers “Treachery! Seek it out” (1). In this case, the treacherous act of Gertrude, whom the prince had a great love for, scatters every inch of Hamlet’s life and trust, and he ends up torturing his mind with memories of how King Hamlet loved and cherished Gertrude.

Hamlet has a lot of respect for his father that he compares to Hyperion, who was believed to be a Titan told in classical myths. However, he compares Claudius to the satyr who was Hyperion’s antagonist. He was given most of the worst descriptions one could imagine. He was called a pig and half-human for his high and dirty nature, and this offers Hamlet a godlike view about his father. Thus, Hamlet develops disgust for Claudius and his behaviors. The prince finds the lewd behavior of any kind is unacceptable but specifically dislike sex dancing and drinking (Amarang9 1). While waiting for the ghost at the castle wall, Hamlet hears the king talking below telling Horatio how the world is feeling contempt for his drunk countrymen.

Ophelia gets mixed in Hamlet’s plot to expose Claudius in the most dramatic way possible. He pretends to be mad. His guiding motivation is the conscious trait of an over-thinking philosopher. His pretense extends the drama as if Hamlet is writing the play himself. In the process, Hamlet hurts Ophelia’s feelings. However, Hamlet’s attitudes towards women have been tainted by Gertrude and Claudius’ actions. Hamlet’s love for Ophelia can be seen through the gifts and letters he used to give to her before his father’s death. While trying to become his father’s mouthpiece about how he could not chastise his wife, his love for Ophelia diminishes (Mabillard 1). He begins to treat her with cruelty and thus destroys her.

Hamlet is unable to control his feelings and thoughts. At one instance he hates Ophelia, but in the next, he wants to engage into sexual intimacy with her. Although it may seem as if Hamlet is crazy; he is not lost in his madness façade. He is only using Ophelia to further the pretense and make it look as if he is insane. In some instances, he doesn’t lash out at Ophelia but uses some hurtful words and shows her disrespectful behavior. Hamlet should be blamed for mistreating Ophelia. Although lucid and brilliant, Hamlet is driven by his rage for Gertrude’s betrayal into destroying the innocent Ophelia. He uses Ophelia as a tool to expose his hostile behavior which he hides from Claudius. Hamlets affection for Ophelia is only seen when he realizes she has died and is freed from woman trappings.

Hamlet has a burning desire to embrace those he despises beneath his cruelty and cynic nature. He loved his mother and wanted to feel the love again. He confronts Gertrude and relents that the spirit needs to intercede for her, but it is clear he longs to show her some affection and comfort each other. However, his love and friendship cannot outdo his depressions and the responsibility of revenge. There is a possibility that Hamlet has an oedipal complex in which he identifies with Claudius’ crime (Amarang9 1). It is the unconscious desire of sons wanting to kill their fathers and become their mothers’ objects of affection. However, His faith in humanity is already destroyed, and at some time he contemplates suicide.

?The prince’s perpetual introspection helps him overcome his anxiety when he comes back from exile. He is different that is a calm nature, he is rational in reasoning, and he is not afraid of death (Shakespeare 1). He realizes that destiny controls all lives and is ready to face the truth of murdering while avenging his father. He uses fate as a scapegoat to distance himself from the killing of King Claudius. With this climax of philosophy, Hamlet has prepared himself for death. Even after his death, his prince qualities remain with imprints in the minds of the audience. He is a soldier and brave.

In summary, Hamlet may be described as an intelligent, melancholy, brooding and a philosopher who manipulates the people around him by manipulating his behavior. He understands his psychological state after his actions affect the people, he loves such as Ophelia dying. He is a brilliant character with most of his practices being acts rather than his true nature.

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Character of Hamlet Essay

Hamlet character analysis:

Throughout the play Shakespeare presents the characterization of Hamlet as a weak man who is bitter towards the women in his life. This is mainly due to his mother, Gertrude betraying Hamlets father soon after his death. Hamlet is disgusted in his mother's behaviour and as they were living in a patriarchal society this sort of behaviour was deemed unacceptable. Hamlet's frustration is not only directed towards the women around him but women kind as a whole.

At the beginning of the play Hamlet is distraught at the death of his father and his mother's re-marriage to Claudius, Hamlet's uncle. Women at the time were expected to be obedient and obtain an extended period of mourning, and Hamlets mother did not. King Claudius, Hamlet's uncle flaunts his and Gertrude's relationship publicly, “Therefore our sometime sister, now our queen”, which Hamlet dislikes as he idolises his father and he believes his mother should not have re-married, especially not “within a month”.

Other characters in Hamlet:

Queen Gertrude is presented by Shakespeare as a cold woman as she tells Hamlet it is common and “all that lives must die” and explains to him that he should not be so upset. Gertrude criticises Hamlet for his response to the situation because she has to make her own actions valid. Hamlet then directs his frustration towards his mother saying, “These but the trappings and the suits of woe”, showing that he feels it is easy for someone to put on the act of grieving - but he is actually grieving.

King Claudius does not want Hamlet to grieve so much in case he wonders how his father died. To try and stop Hamlet grieving Claudius says that, “tis unmanly grief” so that Hamlet feels like he is in the wrong. Shakespeare shows the audience that Claudius has done as much wrong as Gertrude so that they question why Hamlet blames his mother and not Claudius.

A key section in the play is Hamlet's soliloquy. This section is important as Hamlet is on stage by himself so the audience focus on him and what his true feelings are. Here, Shakespeare shows that Hamlet thinks his mother is “rank and gross” conveying strong images of disgust to the audience. He also shows that Hamlet idolises his father, “so excellent a king”, the two things are a contrast between his feelings of his two parents.

Also, Hamlet states: “Frailty the name is woman!” shows that Hamlet believes women are easily corrupted and this is where the audience begin to see Hamlet's rejection towards women kind as a whole take place, and the exclamation mark shows how strong his feelings are. Hamlet says a “beast…would have mourned longer” than his mother which creates an image of how horrible his mother is. Shakespeare makes Hamlet use such language to show the extent of his hatred for her and to portray to the audience Hamlet's madness. He has very strong opinions of his mother, “o, most wicked speed, to post with such dexterity to incestuous sheets!” which shows how strong his hatred for her is. The use of the word “wicked” portrays Hamlet's madness to the audience as it is such a powerful word to describe someone, especially his own mother.

It is not only Hamlet who finds his mother's and uncle's relationship strange as Horatio mentions the wedding and Hamlet replies, “the funeral baked meats did coldly furnish forth the marriage tables”, implying that the wedding was so quick after his father's death. Also, in this section Hamlet's love for his father is mentioned again, “I shall not look upon his like again” which shows Hamlet believes his father was one of a kind. At the end of this scene a rhyming couplet, “Till then sit still, my soul: foul deeds will rise, though all the earth o'erwhelm them, to men's eyes” show what is going to be revealed to Hamlet about his father's death. Hamlet is the product of a patriarchal society and therefore he idolises his father.

In Act 1, scene 3 Laertes and Polonius try to tell Ophelia that Hamlet is not interested in her and that she is behaving inappropriately with regards to the way women are supposed to behave in a patriarchal society. The scene begins with Laertes talking to Ophelia; he tries to show her that Hamlet's affection towards her is “not lasting”. He explains that Hamlet “may not, as unvalued persons do, carve for himself”, meaning that others make his decisions for him. Shakespeare shows Laertes concern at Ophelia's feelings for Hamlet through a metaphor, “The canker galls the infants of the spring, too oft before their buttons be disclosed”, like a plant that blooms too early, showing he feels she has made a mistake because she is young. Also, “canker” shows that something is diseased so this shows that Laertes thinks Ophelia is behaving inappropriately.

Then, Lord Polonius tells Ophelia that she is not following the conventions of the society as she accepting Hamlets affection freely, “he hath very oft of late given private time to you”. Polonius also calls Ophelia “a green girl” which is comparing her to a young plant that is not ready for this relationship and says “you have ta'en these tenders for true pay” showing that he believes she is naïve and that she believes everything Hamlet says. Polonius also explains that “when the blood burns” Hamlet will say anything to Ophelia. But he further explains that their passion is like a “blaze” which shows that it is there and then gone. In this section Polonius uses saintly language such as “unholy” to show the extent of his emotion. Ophelia, replies “I shall obey, my Lord”, showing that she listened to her father, as he is in charge in the patriarchal society in which they live.

Another key section in the play is Hamlet's response to the ghost of his father. This is where Hamlet's father reveals that it was Claudius who killed him, “The serpent that did sting thy father's life now wears his crown”. The use of “serpent” shows that Hamlet's father believes it is Claudius who has behaved inappropriately. The ghost then states “seeming-virtuous queen”, which shows he feels that Gertrude appeared to be loyal and good but she is not. The ghost tells Hamlet not to blame persecute his mother, “nor let thy soul contrive against thy mother” as he believes it is Claudius who should be persecuted.

After the ghost leaves the pace on stage accelerates which shows the audience Hamlet's increasing madness. Most of Hamlet's anger is directed towards his mother, “O most pernicious woman!” shows that Hamlet is extremely angry because of his 'evil' mother and the exclamation could show he is on the verge, if not mad. As well as this Shakespeare presents the supernatural as a temptation and as unreliable as he does not agree with revenge. Shakespeare shows that the supernatural brings around the downfall of Hamlet and from this point onwards Hamlet's hatred for his mother and women kind increases.

A short section between Ophelia and Polonius shows that others are noticing the beginning of Hamlet's madness. Prior to this scene Hamlet has been wooing Ophelia and then he completely changes and becomes angry, Ophelia tells Polonius that, “he falls to such perusal of my face”, showing that Hamlet was trying to understand her. She also states, “He raised a sigh so piteous and profound as it did seem to shatter all his bulk”, this shows that he then concluded that all women were evil, including Ophelia which upset him. However, Shakespeare does not want us to believe that all women are evil as he encourages the audience not to trust Hamlet as he is crazy, which is shown by Hamlet's use of strong, description of his mother, “wicked” and Shakespeare's dramatic staging when Hamlet jumped in front of Ophelia as if he was crazy and when he walked off in a trance.

Due to Hamlet's increasing madness and anger, in Act 3, scene 1 he rejects Ophelia. By this point he believes all women are evil and he says to Ophelia, “Get thee to a nunnery, why wouldst thou be a breeder of sinners?” He believes women are inherently evil and born sinful, which can be related to Eve committing a sin in the garden of Eden, she was the first woman on earth and she committed a sin, so the rest of women kind must do the same in Hamlet's mixed up mind.

Furthermore, Hamlet believes that even if Ophelia does everything right she will still be evil as she is a woman, he sates: “for wise men know well enough what monsters you make of them”, this shows he believes women can corrupt men. This statement is targeted at all women however his hatred for all women is related to his mother's behaviour. He believes that she corrupted Claudius so that he made bad decisions and that she was the one disrespecting his father. Hamlet blames the behaviour of women for his downfall, “it hath made me mad”. At the end of the scene Hamlets rage increases and he directs most of his anger towards Ophelia, at this point she realises that Hamlet has gone mad.    

An important section in the play is the conversation between Hamlet and Gertrude. Here, Shakespeare uses a lot of metaphorical language for Hamlet such as, “makes marriage-vows as false as dicers' oaths”, this is to portray to the audience the extent of his madness although it shows Gertrude that Hamlet strongly disagrees with her behaviour. As well as this, some of Hamlet's speech is in long paragraphs showing that he is rambling and pouring all his emotions out in a sense of anger such as the scene where he rejects Ophelia. In this section Hamlet has a long speech of nearly forty lines, which includes the statement: “you cannot call it love”, at this moment he is directing this rage at Ophelia but his true feelings of hatred are directed at his mother.

Later in the scene the ghost of Hamlet's father appears, but only to him. Gertrude cannot see the ghost and therefore she believes Hamlet is mad, which is important as Shakespeare tries to portray to the audience that Hamlet is mad and therefore this is one of the factors that confirms it. The ghost comes to protect Hamlet's mother, “is but to whet thy almost blunted purpose”, for a moment Hamlet is calmer and reasonable but in trying to get his mother to accept her unacceptable behaviour he is raised into another rage. He asks his mother to “assume a virtue”, as he wants her to change and he wants her to repent her sins.

In conclusion, I believe that Hamlet rejects women because of his mother's behaviour and her betrayal of his father. Hamlet is still young when his father dies, and the stress of his mothers inappropriate actions confuse him. My opinion is that Hamlet does over react to the situation but if his mother should have paid more attention to him rather than his uncle. The extremity of his views of all women being evil are a way for Shakespeare to portray to the audience that women are not actually evil and that Hamlet is in a state of madness.

Shakespeare shows that Hamlet's rejection of women is an over reaction to a situation that could be solved more easily. In Shakespeare's opinion the supernatural has a bad influence on people and it can contribute to somebody's madness. Also, Shakespeare presents the supernatural as unreliable so that it makes Hamlet seem crazier and because he idolises his father he would do anything for him. Overall, I believe Hamlet's rejection to women is due to the actions of his mother and the conventions of a patriarchal society where men are the leader of the house. Hamlet rejects Ophelia as she shows a few similar characteristics to his mother and he rejects women kind as a whole as the people around him have led him to believe all women are evil.

Hamlet character analysis

The play ‘Hamlet’ is one of the greatest creations of William Shakespeare. Hamlet dominates the play and is possibly the most discussed and controversial character in the world of plays. An analysis of the person or the inner self of Hamlet, an analysis of his relations with different characters in the play, namely, Gertrude, his mother, Claudius, his new stepfather, Ophelia, his love and his school friends, would help give an insight to the contradictions in the character ‘Hamlet’ that Shakespeare has attempted to portray. ‘Hamlet’ represents the humanity in general who are forever plagued with contradictions in life. He is reckless yet cautious, courteous yet uncivil, tender yet ferocious, heartless and sensitive. Hamlet has negative traits such as indecisiveness, hastiness, hate and brutality, yet he has a lot of virtues.

That Hamlet was an extremely sensitive person is evident from his reactions at the murder of his father. His mind was disturbed and he was determined to take revenge especially when he was convinced of the identity of the murderer. He was horrified at his mother having incestuous relations and ultimately marriage to his uncle Claudius very soon after his father, King Hamlet was murdered. The very act which outraged him gave him no feeling of remorse or regrets when he murdered Polonius, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. He was heartless yet sensitive. Attachments, emotions, and sensitivity can drive any human being insane, as was the case with Hamlet.

The inner turmoil drove Prince Hamlet to the point of insanity, which perhaps was the cause of the suicide of Ophelia. The turmoil brings out the mental level at which Hamlet was even during the teenage.  This insanity coerced him to stab Polonius through the curtain while believing that it was Claudius who he was actually stabbing. This brings out the reckless trait in him yet he was overtly cautious when he took a long time to kill Claudius. He is extremely philosophical and contemplative.  He is distressed with questions about the afterlife, about the wisdom of suicide, about what happens to bodies after they die.  This is yet another contradiction, which leaves the human beings in a state of dilemma.

Based on the letters and the gifts that Hamlet gave to Ophelia it is obvious that he did love her and had tender affection towards her. He hates her one moment and longs to have intimacy the next. The following words express his longing:

Hamlet: Lady, shall I lie in your lap?

Lying down at Ophelia’s feet.

Ophelia: No, my lord.

Hamlet: I mean, my head upon your lap?

Ophelia: Ay, my lord.

Hamlet: Do you think I meant country matters?

Ophelia: I think nothing, my lord.

Hamlet: That’s a fair thought to lie between maids’ legs. (III.ii.111-20)

Hamlet uses Ophelia as an outlet to express his hostility and frustration towards his mother. He is ferocious towards her not out of insanity but due to his outrage at the murder of his father.

Hamlet was a weak character, which caused him to procrastinate.  The dilemma within him resulted in the delay of murdering his father’s murderer. He felt inadequate and incapable of taking quick decisions even when the situation demanded. He criticized himself for this weakness although he felt that he was being forced to take a decision against his conscious.  Human beings do understand and accept their weaknesses but it is not always easy to overcome them.

While Hamlet does give an impression of a thoughtful and introspective person, there were moments when he acts rashly, when he swiftly stabs Polonius through the curtain without verifying who was standing there. This also brings out the brutal character that he was.

Situations like the suicide of Ophelia left him lonely at heart. His loneliness deepens, as he is unable to arrive at a decision.  Loneliness is also known to drive a person insane. Hamlet was disgusted, disappointed, disenchanted and disillusioned with life when he says that the world is “weary, stale, flat, and unprofitable. . .an unweeded garden.” He constantly ponders over “To be, or not to be, that is the question.”

Hamlet was a virtuous and a humble person and cared little for the fact that Ophelia came from a very simple background. His virtuous and princely qualities leave a lasting impression on the mind.

Hamlet remains:

The courtier’s, soldier’s, scholar’s, eye, tongue, sword,

The expectancy and rose of the fair state,

The glass of fashion, and the mould of form

The observ’d of all observers (III.i.153-56)

• Kirschbaum, Leo. Character and characterization in Shakespears . Detroit: Wayne State University Press, 1962. Print.
• Shakespeare, William. Shakesspear’s Hamlet . Vancouver: The Copp Clark Publishing Co. Ltd, 1960. Print.
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Characterization of Hamlet Analytical Essay

Hamlet is without a doubt the best theatrical character ever produced. From the moment we encounter the humble prince we are entrapped by his graceful power. He meets the death of his father with rage and indignation yet he shows no emotion for the people that he kills. He uses the frail and naïve Ophelia as an avenue to vent his anger towards the queen, and cannot understand that his own bitter words have made her insane.

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Hamlet’s character is filled with faults. By closely examining his faults, one is quick to notice that the faults are inborn. Throughout the play, Hamlet seems to carry in him a burden that is too big for him. Despite his attempt at bravery, he is weak willed and unable to make some important decisions.

When Hamlet learns in a dream that he is supposed to revenge the death of his father, he promises to do so “with wings as swift as meditation or the thoughts of love, may sweep to my revenge.” To Hamlet, even his life’s dreams and destiny cannot be compared to this new pursuit.

Immediately after this discovery, Hamlet is at a loss as to why he has to be the one chosen to exert this revenge. This is the first indication we get that Hamlet has a weakness in his character.

Instead of seeking for ways to kill the person who murdered his father, Hamlet begins to wonder why a sane person can commit such an act. To a careful eye, this is something meant to procrastinate his revenge mission.

This is something that even Hamlet cannot seem to comprehend. Upon realizing that he is dreading carrying out his mission, he comforts himself by saying that he is no coward. Hamlet postpones this mission further by seeking to verify the words of the ghost. However, the trap that he sets to confirm this soon ‘snaps’ but he still cannot make a meaningful decision.

Even though Hamlet learns that his mother was an accomplice in his father’s death, she dissuades him from killing her. Although we might all conclude that Hamlet is overtaken by love for his mother, this is something that does not befit a hero.

A true hero should not let emotions come in the way of his assignment. Upon learning of his mother’s role in the death of his father, he knows that he has to punish the perpetrators regardless of their identity.

When he gets this opportunity to “drink hot blood, and do such bitter business as the day”, he fails to master the courage needed to achieve this. At this moment, his mind seems to be a battlefield. On one hand, he knows that he has to avenge the death of his father while on the other he has no courage to do it.

Hamlet promises to be “cruel, not unnatural and to speak daggers at his mother but act none.” This is a sign of cowardice on Hamlets part. In order to hide his true feelings from his mother, he decides to pretend that he is insane.

Immediately after the episode at his mother’s house, another opportunity presents itself for revenge. This time, it is only Hamlet and the king in an enclosed temple where there is no route for escape. Coincidentally, Hamlet goes behind the king and draws his sword ready to strike. In a real life event, this is the moment when we all draw our breath and close our eyes in anticipation of seeing fresh blood.

However, a few moments later, Hamlet brings us back to reality by claiming that “now might I do it pat, now he is praying; And now I will do’t: and so he goes to heaven.” Always having excuses to justify his procrastination, he tells us that he fears killing the king in a moment of repentance. This is a sign of weakness and indecision on Hamlets part.

If hamlet had been genuine about his desire to kill the king while he was in the process of committing iniquity, it is only right that we see this promise being manifested at least in one scene.

At one time, the ghost appears while Hamlet is talking to his mother. Even Hamlet himself knows he has procrastinated the revenge long enough but consoles himself by saying that he is no coward. In the monologue that follows his meeting with Fortinbras, he says that even being exiled to England would come as a respite.

In order to prove that he is no coward he promises “O, from this time forth, my thoughts be bloody, or be nothing worth.” This is a promise that we do not see Hamlet fulfilling anywhere in the play and hence our conclusion that he is weak willed and indecisive on what he should do.

Hamlet is one of the greatest theatrical characters that have ever been created. The character has different sides to him that make him hard to be understood.

However, one thing that comes out about his character is his weakness and indecision on some important issues. This makes him to keep on procrastinating revenge on his father’s death. By the time he gets to exert the revenge, he is so late such that the real motive for the revenge has been forgotten.

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Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Hamlet — Hamlet: Analysis of Shakespeare’s Main Character

Hamlet: Analysis of Shakespeare's Main Character

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Works Cited

• Hazlitt, William. Hamlet Character Analysis. Internet. AbsoluteShakespeare. 2002. www.absoluteshakespeare.com/guides/hamlet/hamlet.htm.
• Magill, Frank N., ed. Masterplots: Digests of World Literature. Vol. 6. New York: Salem Press, Inc., 1964.
• McConnell, Heron. Hamlet and Revenge. Internet. March 2001. http://www.english-literature.org/essays/hamlet_revenge.html.
• Moore, R. Hamlet: Character Analysis. Internet. All Shakespeare. 2003. www.allshakespeare.com/plays/hamlet.

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Hamlet Character Analysis Essay

Hamlet Character Analysis

In the conclusion of Shakespeare's Hamlet, the audience gains an understanding of the importance of Justice to each character. In the final act both Hamlet and Laertes seek to find justice for the wrongs committed against them and their families. This leaves both men trying to identify how to right these misdeeds without the guidance of either of their fathers. Laertes, on one hand, is more concerned about the moral justice that would be achieved by avenging his father's death. "I am satisfied in nature,/ Whose motive in this case should stir me most/ To my revenge" (Act V, scene ii, 3882–3885). Hamlet, on the other hand, is lost in his madness and unable to clearly define how he can justify his actions, and make things right again in Denmark. Throughout Denmark, justice is prevalent with the minor characters that shape the reflection of death. One of the first minor characters that play a major role to reflect death is Horatio. Horatio is the definition of a true friend to Hamlet. He remains a complex character that is honest and loyal to Hamlet. By the end of the play, Laertes stabs Hamlet with a poisonous sword. Dearly admired by Hamlet, Horatio insists on drinking what is left from the poisonous cup which killed Gertrude. In act five, scene two Horatio declares to Hamlet that he will drink the poison; an act of committing suicide indicating how deeply he is moved by Hamlet suffering (Act V, scene ii, 331) Horatio states "Never believe it: I am more an antique Roman than a Dane, here's yet some liquor left" (Act V, scene ii, 330–332) Hamlet responds with the suggestion of death. The acts of these men show a sense of justice that didn't necessarily meet Hamlet's sense of justice; however, did leave the Kingdom of Denmark cleansed of the evil that Hamlet had brought upon it. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are the next two characters to reflect upon death. They were first introduced in the play as Hamlet's friends, but unexpectedly betray him and surface with Claudius (Act II, scene ii, 225–227). Claudius orders Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to advise Hamlet to England considering he arranges for Hamlet's murder (Act III, scene iii, 4–7). In his arrangement, Claudius illustrates imagery, "Arm you, I pray you,

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Hamlet is arguably one of the most complex characters created to date. From the beginning of the famous Shakespearean play, Hamlet demonstrates his enigmatic and life–like personality. He is filled with intelligence, loyalty, and strategic ability, but is also cursed with depression, rage, self hatred, and an inability to act. These are the qualities that helped Shakespeare construct such a realistic persona while also leading the beloved prince of Denmark to his untimely death. Sometimes, while analyzing this popular play,Hamlet's good qualities get swept under his madness. For example, his level of intelligence gets far less attention than it deserves. Aside from excelling at the University of Wittenberg, the most prevalent case of his strong intellect is when he successfully convinced everyone in the kingdom that he was crazy. By doing so, Hamlet knew that Claudius would be thrown off and not catch on to the fact that he knew of the King's crime. Proof that this was Hamlet's plan all along is in 1, 5, 170–182 where Hamlet says, "Here, as before, never, so help you mercy, How strange or odd soe'er I bear myself (As I perchance hereafter shall think meet To put an antic disposition on), That you, at such times seeing me, never shall– With arms encumbered thus, or this headshake, Or by pronouncing of some doubtful phrase, As "Well, well, we know," or "We could an if we would," Or "If we list to speak," or "There be an if they might," Or such ambiguous giving out–to note That you know aught of me. This not to do,...". This quote also exhibits his strategic ability and the method behind his madness. Another good quality Hamlet shows is his loyalty. When asked by his deceased father to avenge his death, Hamlet, who always loved his father, immediately agreed and eventually carried out this daunting task. Most people would turn a blind eye and pretend as if the ghost was all in their head, but he was so loyal to his father that he felt it was his duty to carry through with the deed. Of course Hamlet wasn't made up of all good qualities, in fact most of his were negative, depression being the most obvious. "To be, or not to be, that is the question: Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer The slings and arrows

27 Oct. 2017

Face the real issue, HamletHamlet proves himself a temperamental, twisted character in William Shakespeare's play, Hamlet. The Prince of Denmark conveys his facetious demeanor with his behavior and sharp tongue, especially in scenes with Ophelia and Gertrude. AlthoughHamlet's situation is difficult and easily sympathized by viewers, his aggression should ultimately be focused on his murderous uncle. Initially the reader can understand Hamlet's anger with Gertrude when she marries his uncle. "O, most wicked speed, to post / with such dexterity to incestuous sheets," says Hamlet in disgust towards his mother's marriage (1.2.161–12). Gertrude did marry the king's brother quickly after his death, so any resentment Hamlet feels towards his mother is justified. The reader sympathizes even more with the character when Hamlet says of the union, "It is not, nor it cannot come to good. / But break, my heart, for I must hold my tongue" (1.2.163–164). It appears that Hamlet is attempting to be respectful towards his mother, so it's easy to appreciate his character in the beginning. Hamlet seems to be kind towards Ophelia when Polonius reads Hamlet's love letter. Hamlet professes to Ophelia, "Doubt thou the stars are fire, / Doubt that the sun doth move, / Doubt truth to be a liar, / But never doubt I love" (2.2. 124–127). Unfortunately, these words towards Ophelia mean nothing. In response to Ophelia returning his love letters, Hamlet responds with, "I never gave you aught" (3.1.105). Any hint that Hamlet truly loved Ophelia is undermined when he outright denies writing those letters to her. Hamlet further insults Ophelia when he says to her, "Or if thou wilt needs marry, / marry a fool, for wise men know well enough what / monsters you make of them" (3.1.149–151). Absolving himself from any accountability for his moody temperament, Hamlet instead puts the blame on Ophelia. Similar to Ophelia, Gertrude experiences her son's ill demeanor when during their conversation in her bedroom. After killing Polonius, Gertrude responds with, "O, what rash and bloody deed this is" (3.4.33), a statement which perfectly captures the crime that Hamlet committed. Again Hamlet takes Get

World Literature

4 October 2017

The Mysteriousness of Act I Scene I and How It Shapes the Themes of Hamlet Works of drama that start with a question, like Hamlet, usually impose a question for readers to answer about themselves. Hamlet, is a very mysterious play about the death of a loved one and the eventual revenge sought after by the main character,Hamlet. The themes presented in the first scene show the level of paranoia of all the characters, which makes readers wonder what happened previous to the first line. As the first scene progresses, additional themes are clearly presented and last throughout the entire length of the play. Shakespeare illustrates three prominent themes in the first scene– death, appearance versus reality, and honor and revenge – and builds on them as the action of the play rises and falls. The difference between appearance and reality is crucial in Hamlet. Reality is what is actually happening in the play, versus what appears to be happening. The opening line of the play "Who's there?" (Shakespeare, I. i., 1) set a tone of uncertain reality. Barnardo peers out into the darkness, while he and Francisco are on their watch. Each appears nervous because they are unaware of whom they are speaking with. However, in reality, they are both two young sentinels guarding Elsinore, the Danish castle. When Horatio and Marcellus enter, Francisco states "I think I hear them.–Stand ho! Who is there?" (Shakespeare, I. i., 15) reinforcing

Hamlet is a suspenseful play that introduces the topic of tragedy. Throughout the play, Hamlet displays anger, uncertainty, and obsession with death. Although Hamlet is unaware of it, these emotions cause the mishaps that occur throughout the play. These emotions combined with his unawareness are the leading basis for the tragic hero's flaws. These flaws lead Hamlet not to be a bad man, but a regular form of imperfection that comes along with being human. When Hamlet is first encountered with the ghost that resembles his father, it is revealed that his uncle Claudius might have been the cause of his father's death. Hamlet is then confused about what he should believe and how he...show more content... When he does act, he prefers to do it recklessly and violently. This is a flaw that Hamlet cannot deny. He knows that it is unjust, but only cares about avenging his father's death. Hamlet is not only angered with the fact of his father's death, but also with his mother's decision to marry Claudius. Devastated by his mother's decision to marry so soon after her husband's death, Hamlet becomes skeptical about women in general. He shows a particular obsession with what he perceives to be a connection with female sexuality and moral corruption. He almost develops hatred towards women because of his mother's decision. This hatred occurs and is shown with his relationship with Ophelia. He urges Ophelia to go to a nunnery rather than experience the dishonesty of sexuality. This hinders Hamlet from experiencing a love that is really needed at this time of his loss. One can say that this is another flaw, which Hamlet is unaware of. Throughout the course of the play, Hamlet is also obsessed with the mystery of death. In the beginning of the play, he states that he is unsure where one ends up after they die. Later into the play, he makes a reference to the afterlife contradicting his first approach. When he attempts to kill

Hamlet is the main character of the play "Hamlet" by William Shakespeare. Hamlet is the prince of Denmark; his parents are Queen Gertrude and King Hamlet. Hamlet is a very brave character that doesn't fear a challenge that comes to him. Hamlet is a young man who experiences a crisis just like many other teenagers. He frequently talks to himself, has problems in his relationship, feels pressure to be like his father, and does not like his stepfather. At times, he can become very cautious, and he thinks when he should act. One night, a ghost appears to Hamlets best friend Horatio. Horatio tells Hamlet about seeing the ghost, Hamlet then requests to see the ghost with his own eyes. When Hamlet sees the ghost, it is his father (King Hamlet), he tells Hamlet that he was murdered by his brother Claudius. Hamlet agrees with his father's ghost to avenge his death by killing his uncle Claudius, and to not punish his mother for her behavior.

Hamlet is not sure if he should believe the ghost and fulfill what it has asked of him to do. Throughout the rest of the play, Hamlet tries to prove that his uncle Claudius is the one who killed his father. However, Hamlet tries to keep his word to his dead father by avenging his death. Hamlet has many flaws he procrastinates when avenging his father's death, he also questions himself to be a coward and being depressed. He also questions himself about his hatred towards his murderous uncle. The Theme that remains the same throughout the play is appearance versus reality. Many things in the play appear to be true however they are evil. Many characters within the play hide behind a mask such as Polonius, Rosencrantz Guildenstern, and Claudius. From behind the mask, they are honest and nice, however, they are evil and filled with lies. It is hard for Hamlet to see the truth behind these characters. Polonius who is the king's royal assistant shows that he is a loving and caring to his son. However, he just tries to look good as a person rather than be good. Shakespeare gives Hamlet very realistic human characteristics such as his emotions being different all the time which makes him unpredictable. Just when you think you have figured out who Hamlet is he ends up changing. In the

In the tragedy play Hamlet written by Shakespeare, Hamlet's character and emotions changed various times. In Act 1 Hamlet was portrayed as weak and in a deep grief about his father's death. In lines 78–86 as a response to his mother unsympathetic comment, Hamlets states, "Seems madam? Nay it is. I know not 'seems.' Tis not alone my inky cloak, good–mother, Nor customary suits of solemn black, Nor windy suspiration of forced breath, No, nor the fruitful river in the eye, Nor the dejected haviour of the visage, Together with all the forms, moods, shows ofgrief That can denote me truly. These indeed 'seem', For they are actions that a man might play; But I have that within which passeth slowly–these but the trappings and the suits of woe." In these lines, Hamlet explains that his visible signs of grief are nothing compared to how he feels inside. Hamlet not only offers the first illustration of the anguish and emotions of his character, but encompasses much of the universal experience of grieving. He doesn't show it externally, but he was struggling with painful emotions internally. Act 2 Hamlet was seen as a very vengeful person due to the fact that his uncle murder his father just to be king. In line 611–616 Hamlet states," Why, what an ass am I! This is most brave, That I, the son of a dear father murdered, Prompted to my revenge by heaven and hell, Must, like a whore, unpack my heart with words and fall a–cursing, like a very drab, A stallion". This quote reveals that Hamlet would look at himself as a coward for not avenging his father's murder and, therefore, like a woman; and not just any women, a "whore".. During Act 3 Hamlet switch over to a more suicidal character.Lines 57–59 Hamlet states "To be, or not to be? That is the question– Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune". This quote reveals that Hamlet is focused on the consideration that makes him stretch out his sufferings for so long. Hamlet feel that his luck may have damned him and cursed him with knowing truth about his father.

During this play Hamlet faced various conflicts with himself throughout Act 1 and Act 3. During Act 1, Hamlet was still grieving about the sudden death of his father whom he

play known worldwide and was written between 1599 and 1605 by the ingenious author and poet, William Shakespeare. The play is a drama that includes a love story, betrayal, and a tragic ending. During the time Hamlet was written, the population of England loved watching the hard ache of others and they epically loved murder and gore. Luckily for Shakespeare, todays current population loves watching and reading about the same things which kept most of his work around. The play Hamlet is the story of a young price that lost his father to a murderer who happens to be his uncle, Claudius. Claudius then marries Hamlet's mother, Queen Gertrude making Claudius the new King of England. Hamlet's deceased father returns as a ghost and tells Hamlet...show more content...

William Shakespeare riddled his play with small symbols that are meant to be overlooked, yet once discovered, help the reader understand what is happening and why. The apparition of Hamlet's father is a major symbol in the play and sets it in to motion, giving hamlet a motive and the audience a sense of what is to come. The flowers that Ophelia gives to the King and Queen hint a lot about the royal couple and also give Ophelia a final statement before she dies and finally the last major symbol is the skull of Yorick, the scull is a symbol that compares Hamlet to a court jester and makes it clear exactly why Hamlet is acting mad when really he is doing undercover detective work. Ophelia, being Hamlet's lady friend with benefits is often portrayed as a white, innocent young lady, which gives her character further meaning, rather than only being recognized as Hamlets relief of lust. She goes mad upon hearing news of the sudden murder of her father that Hamlet committed. It is at this point in the peak of her madness when she contributes important and vital symbols to the play. She hands out a multitude of different flowers to her brother Laertes, the King Claudius, Queen Gertrude and keeps two for her self. These flowers all represent different meanings, which Debra Mancoff, scholar and author of Victorian Studies helps uncover. "Ophelia's offered meanings– rosemary for remembrance, pansies for thought – by matching the other

Complexity Of Hamlet Character Analysis

According to Maria Semple, "Novels demand a certain complexity of narrative and scope, so it's necessary for the characters to change". A character becomes complex based on their range of emotions, feelings, and actions. They will change throughout the novel and experience situations that cause them to change their feelings. They have a large array of feelings that adapt to their current situation. Hamlet has changed from completely sane to becoming delirious because of the death of his father, remarriage of his mother, and the appearance of his father,ghost Hamlet. Through all these events, Hamlet changes his complexity of emotions because of his cluster of feelings. The role of Hamlet is difficult to play because of the complexity of actions, the range of feelings, the need for revenge, while being passive and insane. One aspect of Hamlet, which makes him a difficult role to play, is the complexity of actions. This makes...show more content... Characters become complex through a wide range of emotions and distinctive actions. His complexity of actions cause him to filled with a range of feelings, motives, and behaviors. He has a wide range of feelings because of the situation with his father, mother, and Ophelia. These situations cause him to act abruptly and not think before he acts. His need for revenge after hearing his father causes him to become insane and passive. Finally, Hamlet becomes passive and insane and this makes him complex because he can not make a decision while contemplating suicide. The character of Hamlet has to adapt to changing situations leading him to have an array of feelings and emotions. Helen Keller said, "Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success Get more content

When one reads William Shakespeare's Hamlet, it is easy to overlook the female characters as powerless and subservient. However, things are not always what they seem at first glance, as a further analysis of Gertrude and Ophelia suggests. Although the plot centers around Hamlet's quest for revenge, these two female characters have a profound influence on what transpires. These women certainly play more significant roles than they seem at first.

In Act I,Gertrude appears to be an unfaithful wife who is detached from her son. Despite her husband's death, she quickly remarries and feels no qualms doing so. Moreover, while her husband's death takes a toll onHamlet, she fails to console him. Instead, she tries to make his death seem ...show more content...

As she dies, she tells Hamlet, "O, my dear Hamlet! The drink, the drink! I am poisoned" (V.ii.340–341). Instead of following her husband's plan, she makes the ultimate sacrifice to save her son. Without her heroics, Hamlet would be dead, and Claudius would remain king and be victorious, but she felt the need for redemption. Besides, not only does she contribute to the storyline but also to the reader's analysis. She is indeed a complex character and raises numerous questions, such as whether or not she knew about Claudius killing her husband. Outstanding characters like Gertrude affect the plot in a significant way and supply the reader with critical thinking questions.

On the other hand, Ophelia appears to be obedient and submissive. In fact, she seems to be exceedingly deferential, as she obeys everything Laertes and Polonius say. For example, when Polonius orders her to stay away from Hamlet and ignore his love vows, she replies, "I shall obey, my lord" (I.iv.124–145). Furthermore, she refers to her father as "my lord," which implies Polonius has her on a leash (I.iv.145). Perhaps this line also means that she has no free will and thinks in the interests of her father instead of for herself. It is difficult for a reader to contemplate how a subordinate like Ophelia could have a critical role later in the play. Nevertheless, another prominent female character comes off as Get more content

The tragedy, "Hamlet" written by William Shakespeare, who formulated a play about the young Prince of Denmark, Hamlet, who faces the emotions, depression, anger, and uncertainty due to the murder of his father, King Hamlet. The man who conducted this unlawful action was Hamlet's uncle, step–father and the new King of Denmark, Claudius. Hamlet desires to seek revenge upon Claudius for his father's murder and the incestuous relationship between him (Claudius) and Gertrude (Hamlet's mother). In prince's first soliloquy, he contemplates on committing suicide because he faces difficulty in mourning of the death of his father whom he greatly adored. Moments later, he expressed his emotions on his mother's decision to marry her dead...show more content...

As the act progresses, Hamlet encounters the Ghost of his father, King Hamlet, who confessed the man who murdered him was not Fortenbraus but, his own brother, Claudius. The Ghost orders Hamlet not to permit "the royal bed of Denmark [to be] a Couch for luxury"(1.5.82). His father then vanishes and Hamlet enters a state of great rage and drives to complete his father's task in aniliating Claudius. He is young so his "sinews, grow not instant old"(1.5.94) which gives him the physical strength. Hamlet is so focused on his task, he agreed to, "...wipe all trivial fond records"(1.5.99) and replace them with "...[King Hamlet's] commandment all alone..."(1.5.101). Shakespeare elaborates on the characterization of Hamlet in this soliloquy. The author not only displays Hamlet's anger and depression but, his determination in vanishing the injustice in his kingdom. To summarize, Shakespeare characterizes Hamlet by using imagery to express how Hamlet was originally depressed but, turned towards anger that later lead him to become vengeful. Shakespeare applies characterization of Queen Gertrude to display Hamlet's feeling of betrayal and anger towards her. Hamlet adored his father and was dissatisfied that his mother appeared as if she was not in the similar depressive state that Hamlet was in. Hamlet began to feel the betrayal because two months after her husband's death, her and Claudius decide to get married. Hamlet believed his mother

In William Shakespeare's play The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, the complex character of Hamlet is slowly revealed through his reactions to the circumstances around him. Throughout the play Shakespeare allows the reader to see into Hamlet's thoughts as he manages the tragedies in his life. The reader follows Hamlet as he attempts to cope with the loss of his father and chance of being king. Although Hamlet appears to be mentally unstable, his actions are a result of his hopelessness and bitterness, not madness. The recent tragic events that have occurred in Prince Hamlet's life have made him bitter and disrespectful. Hamlet is bitter towards his uncle and mother for getting married too quickly. He insists to his mother "Not so, my lord. I am too much i' the sun"(Shakespeare 1.2.67). By using the word sun, Hamlet indicates that he is much happier than he should be while mourning his father's death, but he is also referring to how he is too much of a son to his uncle who recently married his mother. Hamlet cleverly manipulates his wording in order to convey his bitterness towards his mother and his uncle's marriage immediately after his father's death, through his sarcasm. Additionally, Hamlet goes on to speak with Polonius, calling him a fish salesman. When Polonius replies that he is not, Hamlet makes the remark "then I would you were so honest a man"(2.2.177). By voicing his opinion that Polonius is less honest than a pimp, Hamlet is making it evident that he does not approve of Polonius' actions. This complete disrespect Hamlet has for Polonius becomes more clear as their conversations develop. The Prince utilizes sarcasm to display the the bitterness towards his mother and uncle, and disrespect towards Polonius. The rage Hamlet possesses that he makes obvious through his sarcasm leads him to make rash decisions that imply he might be insane. In his rage, Hamlet made rash decisions and avoids punishment by suggesting he is insane. Hamlet is completely aware of the situation around him. The King and Queen believe Hamlet is mad and send his schoolmates, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, to discover what is making him mad and he insists "I am but mad north–north–west. When the wind is southerly, / I know a Get

"To be, or not to be, that is the question," (3.1.64). This famous line in William Shakespeare's Hamlet perfectly encapsulates Hamlet's internal struggle throughout the play. Hamlet tells the story of the young prince of Denmark and his desire for revenge on the uncle, Claudius, who murdered his father. As is the case in many works of literature,Hamlet changes greatly throughout the play. However, because of his attempts to act insane, it can be difficult to precisely map the changes in Hamlet's character. By carefully investigating his seven soliloquies, where he is alone and has no need to "put on an antic disposition," one can understand and interpret how Hamlet's character develops throughout the play. When the audience first meets Hamlet he is grief–stricken and upset with his mother for her hasty remarriage to his uncle. Directly preceding Hamlet's first soliloquy he is firmly scolded by his mother and uncle for mourning his father and is denied permission to return to the University of Wittenberg. In his soliloquy, Hamlet says, "O, that this too, too sullied flesh would melt,/Thaw, and resolve itself into a dew," (1.2.133–134.) Hamlet is expressing his desire to die, but is unwilling to kill himself because he does not want to be sent to Hell. In this statement, the audience is able to see that Hamlet is deeply depressed and ready for death. Also in the first soliloquy, Hamlet says, "O, most wicked speed, to post/With such dexterity to incestuous sheets," (1.2.161–162.) Hamlet makes this statement in order to reflect his anger with his mother for marrying her brother–in–law, a marriage he deems incestuous, within a month of his father's death. This statement shows that Hamlet's depression is not only caused by his father's death, but also by his mother's apparent betrayal of his father. Hamlet's first soliloquy shows him to be very depressed and establishes a strong base for his character to develop. After Hamlet's depressive first soliloquy, his second is far more motivated and aggressive. Hamlet's second soliloquy occurs right after the ghost of the dead King, Hamlet's father, leaves, having charged Hamlet with the duty of taking the revenge upon his murderer. In this soliloquy, Hamlet

Throughout Hamlet, the females of the play are portrayed as reliant on the men in their lives. The queen, Gertrude, relies very heavily on having a man in her life. Ophelia is very obedient of her father throughout the beginning of the play. Because of this, Ophelia is willing to sacrifice her relationship with Hamlet to please her father. Hamlet shows us that the queen and Ophelia needed one common thing, a man to rely on. The queen is very reliant on having a man in her life. Originally being married to Hamlet Sr., she should have been heartbroken over his death. After he is killed, she immediately turns around and marries her husband's brother. Hamlet claims she married Claudius "within a month" (Meyer 1459). The queen immediately goes with another man after her first husband died. Hamlet is determined that Claudius murdered his father. Later, while Hamlet is confronting the queen, the queen says "thou hast thy father much offended"(Meyer 1507). Hamlet retorts "Mother, you have my father much offended"(Meyer 1507). The queen tells Hamlet that he has offended Claudius by showing that play, but Hamlet replies, explaining how the queen has offended his father. Hamlet doesn't believe the queen grieved enough over his father's death, but the queen just needed a man in her life.

Ophelia depends on her father more than anyone. Ophelia leans on her father so much that she would betray the trust of the one she loves. While Polonius is speaking with the king and queen, he

When one reads Hamlet, it is easy to overlook the female characters as powerless and subservient. However, things are not always what they seem at first glance, as a further analysis of Gertrude and Ophelia suggests. Although the plot centers around Hamlet's quest for revenge, these two female characters have a profound influence on what transpires. In Shakespeare's Hamlet, Gertrude and Ophelia appear weak at first, but their roles develop and have a massive impact on the story.

In Act I, Gertrude appears to be an unfaithful wife who is detached from her son. Despite her husband's death, she quickly remarries, which leads one to believe she feels no qualms doing so. Moreover, while her husband's death takes a toll on Hamlet, she fails to console him. Instead, she tries to make his death seem insignificant by saying, "Thou know'st 'tis common; all that lives must die" (I.ii.74). If she truly cared about her late husband, she would certainly feel some level of misery. Perhaps she is trying to stay strong in front of Hamlet, but the way the scene unfolds that idea seems unlikely. What's more, she quietly stands as Claudius berates Hamlet for his "unmanly grief" and "impious stubbornness" (I.ii.90–121). One can infer her allegiance sides more with her brother–in–law more than with her son otherwise she would have defended her son. With this in mind and the reasons for her and Claudius's rapid marriage unknown, she fails to convince the reader that her relationship with Hamlet and his father mean anything to her. A mother is always supposed to be their for her children and put their needs before anything else, but Gertrude puts Hamlet's needs aside. Despite her initial shortcomings, Gertrude turns things around as the story continues. For example, she admits to Hamlet that she has been sinful by saying, "Thou turn'st my eyes into my very soul, and there I see such black and grained spots as will not leave their tinct" (III.iv.100–102). Rather than make excuses, she recognizes her faults and how they will forever be attached to her. Furthermore, she pities the situation Hamlet has fallen into by saying, "Alas, how is't with you, that you do bend your eye on vacancy and with th' incorporal air do hold discourse?"

Everyone knows the story of Hamlet. Well, the people that decided to finish high school know about it. The others don't, but, us intellectuals do. Hamlet went through a lot of endeavours, as he thought his father had tragically passed away, his mother remarried far too soon to his uncle for Hamlet not to be curious about the facts of what actually occurred. As he found out details and started seeing apparitions of his deceased father, he began to question his own mental state.

Near the beginning of the play, guards outside the tower see a tall figure dressed in royal attire. They do not yet comprehend or understand who the figure was. Hamlet sees the same figure, and immediately knows it is his deceased father. That begins to torment Hamlet and puts him through a lot mentally. His mother so quickly remarrying his uncle, his father's brother, also is a big red flag. This drives Hamlet insane, and he does not know how to react to the situation. Making heads or tails of that starts to wear him down, and he starts to question what really happened to his father. Him and his mother and her new husband have a discussion and Hamlet is obviously unhappy about the situation. His uncle gives him very little reassurance and tells him to behave, and his mother essentially tells him to be kind and deal with it. While Hamlet is still respectful of his mother, he does not feel the situation is etiquette and is clearly not okay with it.

"To be or not to be, that is the question." Thinking

1102 T/H 2/14/11

Hamlet Character Analysis: Hamlet

One aspect that makes William Shakespeare's Hamlet alluring is how he broke the limiting mold of the one–dimensional character by representing characters in all of their human complexity. Hamlet, for example, is a compelling character because he is complicated. AsHamlet himself observes early in the play in, "Tis not alone my inky cloak/nor customary suits of solemn black, /Nor...forced breath/No, nor the fruitful river in the eye, /Nor the dejected 'havior of the visage.../with all forms, moods, and shapes of grief, /That can denote me truly" (1.2.80–86).

Hamlet insists that he is an individual with many psychological and philosophical facets, though he...show more content... Polonius goes on to observe that Hamlet's speech is confusing because he speaks a language that sane people cannot understand. Hamlet is obscure and surprising, and, therefore, confounding because he subverts others' expectations and never reacts with a predictable response to his own emotions or the expectations of other characters. In addition, it is worth noting that it is not only Hamlet's curious speech that alienates others. Hamlet's obsessive pessimism also begins to affect all of his relationships and becomes a large part of who he is as a character. In an otherwise superficial conversation with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, Hamlet insists that the world has become a prison with "Denmark being one o' th' worst" (2.2.265), and he presses the men to explain why they would want to visit him in the place that torments him. Hamlet's relationship with his mother is also troubling. While he is justified in questioning her decision to marry Claudius before her husband's corpse has even cooled, Hamlet is sarcastic and demeaning towards her, provoking her to ask "What have I done, that thou darest wag thy tongue/In noise so rude against me?" (3.4.47–48) These brief and often sarcastic interactions with other characters help define Hamlet as a pessimistic character and cause the reader to anticipate that his perceptions of events will be, almost always, clouded with this characteristic darkness of

In William Shakespeare's Hamlet, Hamlet went through a series of events causing him to be what he is in the play. The character traits are significant to help readers understand who the character is and what that person serves throughout the book. Throughout the play, Hamlet is the protagonist who is trying to get the job done. Readers believe that the qualities of a King are shown in the protagonist of Hamlet. Furthermore, the qualities that Hamlet possesses shows loyalty to all the characters, he is ambitious towards his goals, and he is intelligent. Throughout the play, Hamlet is ambitious to avenge his father's death. In the end of act one, Hamlet realizes the truth and the cause of his father's death. For instance, the ghost of Hamlet's father told Hamlet to "revenge his foul and most unnatural murder." His father demands revenge and Hamlet swears to avenge his father's death showing that he is willing to do anything to achieve it. In Act three, Hamlet finally puts his desire for revenge into action. He does this by re–enacting a scene of the death of Hamlet's father. Hamlet uses the players to prove King Claudius's guilt and becomes successful because King Claudius exits immediately after what he has seen. During the duel with Hamlet and Laertes, Gertrude is dead after she drinks the poison Claudius gave to Hamlet. Hamlet is gone mad about it and forces King Claudius to drink the poison as well. This shows that Hamlet is ambitious to kill Claudius and gets the King`s crown after doing so. Though he mainly focuses on getting the job done by avenging his father`s death, but he has other things that he is ambitious to do. Similarity, Hamlet's ambition is significant throughout his love for Ophelia. Moving a few scenes after, Hamlet truly loves Ophelia and wants her back with no regard. To illustrate, Hamlet sends love letters to Ophelia and forces Ophelia to love him back. Hamlet tries to show King Claudius and Polonius that he still loves Ophelia, even if he is willing to do anything to make it happen. This is the one time before Ophelia's death that Hamlet reveals his true feelings to her by giving the letters to her. In act five, Hamlet's ambition changes when he finds out that Ophelia is dead. In the

Hamlet fascinates many readers and the first thing to point out about him is that he is mysterious. Shakespeare's work demonstrates Hamlet's dilemma as the role of revenger showing a man of thought forced to be a man of action. Hamlet is extremely philosophical and introspective. He is particularly drawn to difficult questions or questions that cannot be answered with any certainty. Faced with evidence that his uncle murdered his father, Hamlet becomes obsessed with proving his uncle's guilt before trying to act. He is equally overwhelmed with questions about the afterlife, about the wisdom of suicide, and about what happens to bodies after they die.

However, even though he is thoughtful to the point of obsession, Hamlet also behaves...show more content...

The soliloquies create an effect on the audience showing that Hamlet is depressed and confused. When he speaks, he sounds as if there is something important he is not saying, maybe something even he is unaware of, creating the sense that Hamlet's character, a philosopher, is extremely troubled at becoming a man of action.

In Hamlet's second soliloquy, Act 2, Scene 2, his speech moves through anger, self–condemnation and agonised self–accusation, impassioned fury and mocking self criticism, deep reflection and determination. He continuously points out his faults on how he cannot raise himself to adequate passion to avenge for his father's murder, he comments on how the actor showed grief for his lines, and how he cannot, even though he has great reason to. Hamlet's mood is far beyond normal and has gone into philosophical realms, continuously using metaphors to show his disgust and anguish for himself and his attitudes to the current affairs in the state of his own home.

The soliloquy opens with Hamlet cursing himself as a `rogue and peasant slave'. Hamlet expresses an outburst of hatred, linking it to the actor when he describes the actor's passion.

Hamlet is outraged that he is not able to shed tears, and when he says `fiction' he is disappointed to see that a man can make himself cry through a second–hand play, whereas he cannot. Hamlet's outrage here demonstrates his dilemma as the `man of thought' forced to

Hamlet is the main character and protagonist in the play "Hamlet" by William Shakespeare. Hamlet is the Prince of Denmark. He is the son of Queen Gertrude and King Hamlet, who was murdered by his uncle Claudius. Hamlet is a very unique individual and handles many situations in unusual ways. Hamlet is an extremely intriguing and complex character that appears to change with every different perspective. Shakespeare has done an absolutely fantastic job with capturing true human characteristics with Hamlet. Hamlet bounces back and forth with his emotions so inconsistently that one never knows what he is about to do next. One moment he is rational, and the next he is not. One moment he wants to plan things out, and then he does things...show more content...

The ghost made the whole situation for Hamlet seem even that much more unreal. He already wished that all of the recent events he had to deal with were not real. He then has to deal with the reality of this ghost. It seems to influence him terribly and takes a negative toll on his emotions. This occurrence continues to further diversify Hamlet's feelings and emotions (Snider, 67). The last major external influence is the company of others (Snider, 71). How hamlet responded had a lot to do with the actions done by others and himself. A person's environment greatly affects how they handle oneself and situations around them. Due to Hamlet's extremely ludicrous environment and unusual circumstances, he is just that much more of a complicated and elaborate character (Bristol). Another major thing that contributed to Hamlet's complexity was his utter hatred towards Claudius. From the get go Hamlet never liked him. He felt Claudius was immoral and almost worthless. After the ghost of his father told Hamlet that Claudius was responsible for his death, he hated his uncle just that much more. That hatred soon turned into something much more though. It transformed into a desire for revenge. Before he did anything though, he had to be positive that Claudius was the one responsible, so Hamlet tested his innocence. Claudius failed the test and Hamlet was then positive that he was responsible for the murder of his father (Mitchell, 34–37). Hamlet

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• Character analysis on hamlet

Character analysis on hamlet - Essay Example

• Subject: English
• Type: Essay
• Level: Masters
• Pages: 2 (500 words)
• Downloads: 2
• Author: gyundt

Extract of sample "Character analysis on hamlet"

Hamlet: Character Analysis William Shakespeare’s play ‘Hamlet’ is recognized as one of the foremost works in the Western literary tradition. The play’s exploration of the human condition in respect to questions of meaning, loyalty, and death continue to have relevance for contemporary society. While the play’s lasting impact has a variety of reasons, one of its most seminal aspects is the brilliant means Shakespeare develops the characters, with the protagonist Prince Hamlet the most complex.

Indeed, T.S. Eliot noted, "We find Shakespeares Hamlet not in the action, not in any quotations that we might select, so much as in an unmistakable tone." (Eliot, p. 32). This essay is a character analysis of Prince Hamlet. In examining Hamlet one of the most pervasive understandings is that his character changes throughout the play. Still, there is a general degree of despondency that is clear from the beginning. Consider Claudius when he asks Hamlet, “How is it that the clouds still hang on you?

” (Act I, scene ii). This statement indicates Hamlet’s general despondency even before he discovers that his father has been murdered. As the play advances Hamlet is revealed to have further character dimensions including great intelligence and wit. Perhaps the most complex consideration in these regards is the extent that Hamlet is truly insane or faking his insanity. In these regards, it appears that in specific circumstances Hamlet has used his intelligence as a means of concealing his true character.

One considers his interaction with Polonius as a strong indicator of this perspective. Still, in other instances, such as his violent outbursts, Hamlet appears to be clearly insane. Another central aspect to Hamlet’s character is the nature of his unwillingness to act. While early on in the play Hamlet vows to kill Claudius and avenge his father’s death he perpetually refuses to carry out this action. One insight into Hamlet’s character is the argument that he is subject to Oedipal repression.

It’s argued, “The call of duty to slay his uncle cannot be obeyed because it links itself with the call of his nature to slay his mothers husband, whether this is the first or the second; the latter call is strongly "repressed," and therefore necessarily the former also” (Jones, p. 74). In these regards, Hamlet is motivated out of love for his mother, yet has psychoanalytically repressed this love so is unwilling to kill Claudius. In other instances, Hamlet appears to be motivated out of a general rational desire to determine Claudius guilt.

He has a play performed, noting, “The play’s the thing wherein I’ll catch the conscience of the king” (Act II, scene ii). Ultimately, it’s clear that Hamlet is subject to a variety of competing impulses and psychological dimensions. In conclusion, this essay has presented a character analysis of Prince Hamlet. The essay has examined Hamlet’s despondency and psychology. While there are characteristics that are universal for Hamlet throughout the play, it’s clear that he resists easy characterization.

Ultimately, it’s argued that Hamlet’s characterization – from his despondency to his insanity and deliberations – is the product of a complex array of competing impulses and psychological dimensions.ReferencesEliot, T.S. The Sacred Wood: Essays on Poetry and Criticism. New York Templeton Press. 1971.Jones, Ernest. ‘The Oedipus-Complex as an Explanation of Hamlets Mystery: A Study in Motive.’ The American Journal of Psychology, Vol. 21, No. 1. (Jan., 1910), pp. 72-113.Shakespeare, William.

"Hamlet: Entire Play." shakespeare. N.p., 2010. Web. 13 Dec 2011. .

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Hamlet character analysis.

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                          Hamlet is a complex character with multiple character traits that lead him through his many confusing and often conflicting actions throughout the play. Shakespeare has developed a character whose conflicts of interest and personality traits combine to lead him through actions that eventually led to his ultimate downfall, along with many of his former friends and acquaintances. Despite his innate characteristics, events in Hamlet's life cause him to act differently than his characteristics may imply. This type of insanity affected him in many ways, though true insanity was not achieved through the events and experiences that plagued Hamlet through the course of the play. .              As "insanity" was undoubtedly a striking characteristic of the personality which drove Hamlet's actions in the play, the causes of "insanity" must be analyzed in order to fully understand Hamlet's character. In fact, Hamlet may have been feigning insanity, using madness as a mask to protect him from Claudius's fury at him. Behind the mask, is hidden the secret of King Hamlet's death, and Hamlet's promise to the ghost to avenge his father's death. By pretending to be insane, Hamlet escapes King Claudius being furious with him, while in fact Hamlet does know the truth about how his father died.              Hamlet is faced with mixed emotions regarding his father's death. He is very hurt, about losing his father, and the ghost tells him that his brother, Claudius, murdered him during the night. When Claudius marries Gertrude, Hamlet's mother, Hamlet is filled with rage and disgust. The ghost asks Hamlet to avenge his father's death, and Hamlet promises that he will do so. After the ghost leaves, Hamlet asks Horatio and Marcellus not to repeat what the ghost said. "Never make known what you have seen tonight." The choice that Hamlet made, to believe what the ghost said and to avenge his father's death, shows that he is not crazy.

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