Hamlet: a Man of Contradictions

Introduction

Perhaps, Hamlet is the best dramatic character ever produced. From the second we meet the sad prince, we get captivated by his stylish power. Covered in his blue-black cloak, Hamlet is a man of major contradictionsl; he is well-mannered yet rude, loving yet violent, careless yet alert. Hamlet undergoes his father's demise with good resentment and overwhelming anger, however he demonstrates no regret when he himself is liable for the demises of the intrusive Guildenstern and Rosencrantz, and the preaching lord chamberlain, Polonius. He employs the innocent and fragile Ophelia as an means for his hatred towards the queen, and could not understand that his own violent language have initiated her madness. Hamlet is filled with errors. But how is it that yet apparently depressing behaviors such as hesitancy, passion, hatred, violence, and rashness could improve Hamlet's importance as a tragic hero or a “prince among men”. This paper discusses analyze the character of Hamlet in Shakespeare's Hamlet and discuss how he is a man of contradictions.

Discussion

The disguise of madness used by Hamlet in the play questions his motifs against the king and himself. He is arguably the most complicated, dramatic character ever created by William Shakespeare. His characteristics range from evil, dark, and mysterious to intelligent, courageous, and cautious. He is seen by other characters in the play as a madman, or completely insane. But the audience is informed of Hamlets knowledge and of his true intensions. To them he is seen as a contemplative thinker and genius. Hamlet's lack of action in the play is the cause of his procrastination, as he is unsure about his revenge, his life, and his future. So it can be said that the Hamlet is one of Shakespeare's most complex characters who has many contradictions. (Bradley 47) ...