Hamlets Existential Crisis - 1429 Words

When looking at Hamlet, one could say that William Shakespeare put the play together as a very cathartic tragedy. The emotional result of dealing with so many deaths brings on a plethora of emotions which are not usually felt in a typical play. Hamlet begins not with the normal prosperity and good fortune as do most tragedies, but with a more stifling and depressing sort of mood (Tekany 115). However, something else could be said about this play as well. The play centers on Hamlet and his existential characteristics, such as angst, isolation and his confrontations with nothingness. The exhibition of these characteristics proves Hamlet to be an existential character. The idea of Hamlets fathers (King Hamlet of Denmark) passing is what begins the cycle of existential thoughts and feelings within him. From the conflict raging inside Hamlet, stemming from the loss of his father, blooms the beginnings of a bigger, overall existential conflict that soon leads to his cathartic downfall. He visits places filled with nothingness and abhorrence with a sense of frailty and pulsating frustration. Hamlet’s existential crisis begins with the death of his father and the remarrying of his mother. At this point, for Hamlet, the questions start pouring in; â€Å"to be or not to be† (Hamlet 3.1.57), and so on. From questioning his existence and fighting with himself about the purpose of his life begins to show the beginnings of the existential crisis that is soon to consume him. Also, thisShow MoreRelatedHamlet Liberation In Death Analysis1098 Words   |  5 PagesLiberation in Death: Hamlet’s Existential Struggle in Hamlet What is the meaning of life? Who am I? What is my purpose? These are open existential inquiries that both modern and ancient philosophers have yet to answer certainly. Unquestionably, the philosophy of existentialism is an interesting theory and psychological phenomenon. Existentialism is a philosophy promulgated in the 20th century that holds that every person exists first and his nature, or essence, comes about later through the mannerRead MoreMeaning Of Existentialism In Hamlet1446 Words   |  6 Pageswhich he becomes aware of his alienation from the human condition, thus exemplifying the existentialist essence of the play write. The central concern of Hamlet is also the question of all man, †What a piece of work is a man!’’(2.2.296), and the existential quest for being is equally central to hamlet. He is the man obsessed with the pursuit of being, for him the question is â€Å"To be or not to be†(3.1. 56). His being is confounded by the purpose of his life, which he gradually realizes is to avenge hisRead MoreHamlet Interpersonal Conflict Essay1252 Words   |  6 Pagessignifying the loss of his father, and the audience got its first glimpse on the depth of Hamlets depression. The imagery of Hamlet continuing to wear the black clothes shows how Hamlet had a lot of admiration for his Father and his loss caused him to go into a great depression. Even after his introduction, Hamlet’s depression gets further revealed when Claudius notes that â€Å"the clouds still hang†(I, ii,66) around Hamlets personality. Hamlet even replies that his inner sorrow is so great that hi s dourRead MoreBipolar Disorder in Hamlet896 Words   |  4 Pagesthe play, Hamlet’s father had been recently murdered by his uncle, whom his mother has also recently married. These are the main reasons why Hamlet has also shown serious signs of major depressive disorder as well, which can often go hand-in-hand with bipolar disorder. Since there are several types of bipolar disorder, depending on the type of symptoms the patient is experiencing, the symptoms may vary. However, some symptoms of bipolar disorder are shared throughout all types. Hamlet’s symptomsRead MoreHamlet, By William Shakespeare1184 Words   |  5 PagesAlexander W.). He attempts convincing everyone around him that he is in love with her, just so he can get closer to Claudius. Whether Ophelia herself was actually mad or not, this led to her death because Gertrude either killed her while believing Hamlet’s lie or she killed herself because of his cruel methods. When Hamlet is on the ship, he also successfully deceives the king of England into executing Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. This shows not only his cleverness, but just how ruthless he is wellRead MoreThe Love Song of J.Alfred Prufrock Essay4201 Words   |  17 Pagesis Prufrock? What does he unknowingly reveal? Hamlet, to whom Prufrock feels inferior, contemplates things like murder and the secrets of the universe. Prufrock, though equally fraught with existential malaise, is more pathetic, as his contemplative nature lacks any of the dramatic interest of Hamlet’s. The simple act of eating a peach is something that consumes his conscience in bitter inner debate. In the end, too, unlike Prufrock, Hamlet actually did something. Though it took the prospect of