Hamlet

Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” is an exploration of the psyche of a character struggling with indecision. The protagonist, Hamlet, finds himself at odds with his own sense of duty and morality upon learning that his father was murdered by his uncle, Claudius. This revelation sets off a chain of events driven by Hamlet's internal turmoil.

The play's exposition lays the groundwork for the crises facing Hamlet: political instability in Denmark, familial strife within his own household, and Hamlet's own existential discontent. The appearance of the Ghost prompts Hamlet to grapple with the weighty responsibility of avenging his father's death, but his hesitation reveals the depth of his internal conflict. For instance, in Act 1, Scene 2, Hamlet expresses his despair and disillusionment with the world, lamenting, "How weary, stale, flat, and unprofitable / Seem to me all the uses of this world!"

Throughout the rising action, Hamlet's indecision manifests in various ways, particularly through his feigned madness and erratic behavior. His inner turmoil intensifies as external pressures mount, such as Claudius's suspicions and Hamlet's own doubts about the Ghost's motives. In Act 3, Scene 1, Hamlet's famous soliloquy, "To be, or not to be," encapsulates his existential crisis and contemplation of suicide as a means of escape from his internal struggles.

The climax occurs when Hamlet stages a play to expose Claudius's guilt. However, his inability to act decisively leads to unintended consequences, including the accidental killing of Polonius. This event marks a turning point in the play, heightening the stakes for Hamlet and driving him further into his internal struggle. For example, in Act 3, Scene 4, Hamlet confronts his mother, Gertrude, with his pent-up emotions, resulting in a tense and emotional exchange that makes his agitation all the more evident.

In the falling action, Hamlet faces the repercussions of his actions, including Laertes's desire for revenge and Ophelia's descent into madness. Despite these external conflicts, Hamlet's internal turmoil remains unresolved, as he grapples with questions of life, death, and the meaning of his existence. In Act 5, Scene 1, Hamlet ponders the nature of mortality while holding Yorick's skull, lamenting, "Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him, Horatio, a fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy."

The resolution of the play is marked by tragedy, as Hamlet and several other characters meet their demise. Hamlet's eventual revenge on Claudius is tainted by his own demise, underscoring the futility of his internal struggle and the transient nature of human endeavors. In the final scene, Fortinbras assumes control of the kingdom, symbolizing the continuation of life and the inevitability of change despite the tragedies that have unfolded.