Olivia Hunt

The Critique of The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark: Part One

A tragedy is ‘a serious drama typically describing a conflict between the protagonist and a superior force (as destiny) and having a sorrowful or disastrous conclusion that elicits pity or terror’ (Webster's dictionary). Consequently, a tragic hero is a hero who experiences this conflict and suffers because of his own actions and the consequences of these actions. In a tragedy the hero suffers and dies at the end of the play. However, these are not all the features a tragic hero must possess. It is not even obligatory for a hero to die in order to be considered a tragic hero. The most significant element of a tragedy is a free will of the hero. He can avoid his death and is free in his actions (Wikipedia). However, the tragedy consists in the possibility to avoid sad consequences and the inability of the hero to survive and prevent these sad consequences. Besides, a tragic hero should have many good traits and one drawback, which does not allow him survive and which leads to a tragic outcome. A tragic hero must be intelligent, brave and noble and he must assert his rights. Moreover, the spectators must sympathize with the tragic hero.

The main hero of the play ‘The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark’ written by the greatest playwright of all times, William Shakespeare, is a vivid example of the tragic hero. He has al the good traits necessary for a tragic hero. Hamlet is brave and courageous. Although it is very dangerous and risky, he goes to England. He takes a risk to revenge for his father. Hamlet is loyal to his father; therefore, he is angry with Claudius and his mother because of their quick marriage. Hamlet father's ghost tells he was killed by his brother:

‘Tis given out that, sleeping in my orchard,

A serpent stung me; so the whole ear of Denmark

Is by a forged process of my death

Rankly abused: but know, thou noble youth,

The serpent that did sting thy father's life

Now wears his crown.

…Thus was I, sleeping, by a brother's hand

Of life, of crown, of queen, at once dispatch'd’. (Act I, Scene V)

Article Tags: Hamlet, Prince, Tragic Hero

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