Example Of Dichotomy In Hamlet

In exploring the article’s content, I have come across several unfamiliar words being used throughout. Three of these words especially helped me understand the context behind what was trying to be said by the author Ozge Ozkan Gurcu.

One of these words is dichotomy. Dichotomy means a contrast between two things or ideas represented as different or opposing. In this article, the author uses the word dichotomy to describe the contrasting ideas of fate and free will within the play Hamlet. This article explores whether the events in the play are due to fate or influenced by Hamlet’s choices and free will.

Another word used in this article that I am unfamiliar with is provenance. The word provenance means the earliest known history or origin

Throughout this article, Gurcu sheds light on many valid points regarding the ability of Hamlet to have control over his actions and ultimately shape the outcome of his life and the lives of those around him. A notable example Gurcu provides is when “[Hamlet] decides to let Claudius go, and therefore, instead of seizing the opportunity, Hamlet’s choice is to spare his uncle while he is praying on the grounds that a man killed at his prayers is known to go to heaven, which means that Claudius will not go to the hell he deserves.” This scenario demonstrates Hamlet’s capacity to make deliberate choices, unburdened by external obligations or the constraints of a predetermined destiny. Another example Gurcu provides is when being “given the duty of avenging his father is Hamlet’s fate, whereas it is his choice whether to believe in the Ghost or not and fulfill the duty given.” Additionally in this example, Hamlet unlike a “primitive avenger who would kill his father’s murderer without hesitation” is too weary and unsure of the ghost’s information and delays his ability to exact revenge. Again, Hamlet is choosing to alter his fate and is affecting how the future of killing Claudius will turn

By analyzing Hamlet’s decision-making process and highlighting key moments in the play, such as the encounter with the ghost and his reluctance to take immediate action or seize opportunities for revenge, Gurcu sheds light on the web of relationships and events that unfold due to Hamlet’s actions. He states that “Hamlet’s delay, which has not up to now done any irreparable harm, will affect everyone: “In sparing the King, Hamlet sacrifices Polonius, Ophelia, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, Laertes, the Queen and himself.” Hamlet is presented with the task of exacting revenge on Claudius for the murder of his father. With this, he cleverly devises many plans to kill Claudius but hesitates to do so when the opportunity approaches him. This choice that he made to spare Claudius would end up sacrificing many lives in addition to his. This insight by Gurcu deepened my understanding of Hamlet's character by emphasizing the severity of the consequences resulting from his choices. It became clear that one seemingly small choice made by Hamlet had profound ripple effects, impacting those around