How the concept of resilience is addressed in Hamlet using two literary lenses
William Shakespeare is one of the most notable playwrights in history, and many of his works continue to be studied around the world today. One of his most well-known literary works, Hamlet, incorporates widely applicable themes of madness, revenge, and resilience, resonating with readers across multiple generations. The play follows Prince Hamlet as he seeks to avenge the murder of his father, Old King Hamlet, at the hands of his devious stepfather and uncle, King Claudius. Throughout the play, the predominant theme of resilience is explored in depth as Hamlet and his love interest, Ophelia, encounter adversity. From both a gender and psychological perspective,
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The concept of resilience resonates with them, as many can find themselves experiencing similar situations to Ophelia and Hamlet. Shakespeare explores the complexities of each character’s circumstances and their different ways of coping with adversity. Hamlet is resilient in his determination to avenge his father's murder. Even as he struggles to cope with the psychological toll it takes on him, he manages to accomplish his objective. Similar to Hamlet, men are often expected to suppress their emotions when struggling, prioritizing a façade of dominance among their peers. However, as society had evolved, there has been a shift away from these traditional norms. Instead, resilience for men now includes the ability to acknowledge difficult emotions to overcome them, rather than indefinitely burying them. In contrast, Ophelia's resilience is compromised by the social constraints placed upon her as a woman, leading to her premature tragic death. Like Ophelia, many young women are pressured to keep a demure, submissive, and agreeable demeanor because society pushes the idea that to be regarded with dignity and respect women must avoid behaving in a manner that can cause others to perceive them as unvirtuous. The play emphasizes the strength and resilience individuals can possess, as well as the detrimental effects of societal constraints on their ability to handle the unforeseen circumstances of