The Journey of the Mind in Shakespeare's Hamlet

Shakespeare’s Hamlet is one of the most popular dramas in world literature, as it examines the passionate, but toxic ambitions of King Claudius. He murders his own brother, King Hamlet, to overtake the throne, power, and wife. As a result of King Claudius’ fratricide, he inherits the “primal eldest curse” of Cain and Abel, and the dispersion of his venom ends the lives of several major characters. Including, of course, Prince Hamlet, who gets drawn into a deep depression over his father’s death, who later visits him as an apparition. This essay will analyze Shakespeare’s symbolic use of poison, embodied by King Claudius and the unintended consequences of his wicked acts.

The speech of Hamlet “O that this too sullied flesh would melt, … But break, my heart, for I must hold my tongue.” (1.2.129-159) is where we can see Hamlet’s sadness towards his mother, Gertrude and his uncle Claudius and feels disappointed about their decision of getting married. Hamlet is seen to be too upset after his father’s death. It’s not even a month has passed and he gets to hear another news about his mother Gertrude and uncle, Claudius getting married. In the beginning of Act 1 Scene 2, King Claudius gives a speech to his courtiers, telling them about his recent marriage to Gertrude, mother of Hamlet and his brother’s widow. Claudius says that he mourns his brother but has chosen to balance Denmark’s mourning with delight of his marriage. He also mentions in his speech that young Fortinbras has written to him, rashly demanding the surrender of the lands King Hamlet won from Fortinbras’s father, and dispatches Cornelius and Voltimand with a message for the King of Norway, Fortinbras’s elderly uncle.

Great authors develop great literary devices. William Shakespeare analyzes and characterizes Hamlet throughout a period of despair. Literary devices are exercised to derive an extended understanding and different perspective of Hamlet’s internal conflicts. Hamlet, prince of Denmark, devotes himself to find a solution to his struggles throughout his melancholic state of being. Vexation for his father’s regicide, betrayal from his mother and friends, and his hesitation to act develop into a journey of self conflict. In “Hamlet”, Shakespeare utilizes soliloquies, symbols, and comparisons to establish Hamlet’s internal feelings, conflicts, and desire to avenge the Regicide of his father.

1. How much time has passed between Act I and Act II. How do you know?

Oedipus is a man of unflagging determination and perseverance, but one who must learn through the working out of a terrible prophecy that there are forces beyond any man’s conceptualization or control. Oedipus’ actions were determined before his birth, yet Oedipus’ actions are entirely determined by the Gods who control him completely. In the beginning of this tragedy, Oedipus took many actions leading to his own downfall. He tried to escape Corinth when he learned of the prophecies that were supposed to take place in his life. Instead, he

Something that is often overlooked when examining the state of Hamlet’s sanity is just how astute Hamlet was. His usage of clever words, smart remarks and philosophical humor to prompt a desired response from certain people, show that he was able to use reason or logic in thinking. It is this kind of rational thinking that further proves that he was of a sound mind. An example of this cleverness is when he is talking with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern and he refers to them as

“Do it or do not do it – you will regret both” (Kierkegaard 72) is a quote that echoes and expounds upon the famous “To be, or not to be” (Hamlet 3.1.56). The former quote was written by none other than Danish philosopher and poet, Søren Kierkegaard. Born in 1813, Søren Kierkegaard was well acquainted with Shakespeare’s text and often referred to it in his writings. When watching Kenneth Branagh’s unique, unabridged adaptation of Hamlet, it is apparent that Kenneth Branagh was able to capture how similar his Hamlet and Søren are in character while making his mark in cinematography history. The connection between Branagh, Shakespeare, and Kierkegaard goes beyond the setting and 19th century architecture of Branagh’s recreation of Hamlet. Through both Søren and Kenneth’s backstory, choice of esthetics, and their actions in life changing moments the story of Hamlet has proven to be a guide for both of these extraordinary men.

As the play unravels, Oedipus struggles to resist his impending fate. He does anything he can to find evidence proving that he is not who Tiresias says he is, but after questioning a messenger and a shepard, he finds his answer: Laius and Jocasta had Oedipus and gave him to a messenger who would soon kill him, but instead was adopted by a new family (Sophocles 55). Oedipus’ self-loathing for his new, inescapable reality inhibits the advancement of his previously untroubled life. His flaw of not being able to overcome outside criticism and the truth triggers him to “speak in blindness” (Sophocles 54). Oedipus’ words are empty and lack meaning because of his failed endeavors at proving that he is not who the people say he is. Because of his proven prophecy, the dreadful news causes the “sorrow-stricken woman’s [, Jocasta’s] end” (Sophocles 57). Additionally, Oedipus is prompted to gouge his own “blind and knowing naught” eyes out (Sophocles 63). Oedipus’ efforts to escape his own identity result in his, and many other characters’ ultimate

Through the use of suspense and various antitheses, Oedipus is given a providence ceasing in failure and an undesirable death, though he accepts it admirably and honorably. Sophocles takes into consideration his audience and successfully brings about a catharsis within them, purging the audience with various inflicting emotions towards Oedipus as he stumbles through his hardships and failures. In the end, the story of Oedipus and his ending is truly a tragedy and should contribute to one’s everyday thoughts as a mnemonic and moral lesson that not all stories end with a happily ever

The tale of Oedipus and his prophecy has intrigued not only the citizens of Greece in the ancient times, but also people all over the world for several generations. Most notable about the play was its peculiar structure, causing the audience to think analytically about the outcomes of Oedipus’ actions and how it compares with Aristotle’s beliefs. Another way that the people have examined the drama is by looking at the paradoxes (such as the confrontation of Tiresias and Oedipus), symbols (such as the Sphinx), and morals that has affected their perceptions by the end of the play. Nonetheless, the most important aspect is how relevant the story is and how it has influenced modern ideas like that of Freud and other people of today.

Oedipus’ initial introduction presents the character as a well-rounded man who is simply trying to help his people and serve justice. In the

talks of actors on the stage and says ‘Had he the motive and the cue

A theme of ‘madness’ is carefully and creatively manifested within Hamlet. A question that I intend to get out of the way fairly quickly would be the decision of Hamlet’s mental state. There is much controversy surrounding the idea of Hamlet’s madness, and textual evidence can support either side of the argument. However, madness is still at the heart of this play, whether it be real or feigned. Since we cannot prove Hamlet’s sanity, we may still act under the assumption that he has lost his hold on reality. In the case of Ophelia, there is no doubt clouding the decision of her mental state. She is, indeed, insane. In order to examine these cases of insanity, we will not only find differences between Hamlet and Ophelia’s loss of sanity,

Oedipus the King by Sophocles’ is intertwined with many powerful themes and messages, establishing what real vision and real sight are. Sophocles’ play also demonstrates that sometimes in life we have to experience great loss in order to rediscover our true selves. In Oedipus’s quest for truth, lack of self-control, ignorance and tragic self-discovery prevail. Physical vision does not necessarily guarantee insight, nor impart truth. Intertwined with dramatic and cosmic irony, all of these elements contribute to the major theme of blindness and sight, depicting wisdom

In William Shakespeare 's Hamlet, there are many conflicts present that can be applied to modern time. Hamlet, as the protagonist, displays many difficult aspects that haunt mankind to this day. Hamlet is a dynamic character. He believes that he is the smartest person in the room, which most of the time he is. He comes up with conniving schemes to get his revenge. Although Hamlet believes in his brilliant plan to feign madness, it causes so much suspicion from others that it ultimately causes the untimely death of himself and others.