Hamlet Why Are We Reading This Essay

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A common thought in every student's head when it comes to reading Shakespeare’s plays such as Hamlet is “Why are we reading this”. Well, even though the language is difficult to understand and takes time to comprehend, the literary significance underlying the events and the terminology all serve as a timeless theme reverberating throughout human experience across history and cultures. First off, "Hamlet," the protagonist of this play, is a rich character that delves into the human psyche, exploring the depths of human emotions and the impact of grief and loss; furthermore, this can be related to oneself by the audience in the present era. Hamlet's core struggle with his mental health and own uncertainty raises philosophical questions about …show more content…

Jenny Cureton claims in this news article that "Black youth have witnessed increased inequities related to COVID, police brutality, racial unrest, and hate crimes" (Ramirez 3). Hamlet's existence, which is influenced by treachery, loneliness, depressions, and morals, can be compared to the injustices that black youth experience, particularly during the Covid, as well as the police brutality, racial unrest, and hate crimes. The play's depiction of Hamlet's ethical quandaries and intricate nature of human emotions mirrors the complex nature of our own lives. Even if the two vary based on the historical period and societies, Hamlet's life can be considered as a metaphor for the existential crises and quest for meaning and identity that Black youth experience. Hamlet acts as a figure that reminds the importance of embracing our values as a string of hope amidst the darkness, "Or that the Everlasting had not fix’d His canon ‘gainst self-slaughter!" (1.2.129-130). Hamlet acknowledges the moral and philosophical restrictions against suicide by using the phrase "self-slaughter". He considers about the manner in which, if it were not for the divine law—"the Everlasting's canon"—forbidding suicide, he could have already committed suicide to get rid of his mental suffering. His recognition of the divine prohibition against suicide also reveals his inner conflict about the ethical and spiritual ramifications of such a deed. This can be interpreted as a reminder to the audience that, much like Hamlet, you have ideals in life that you can hold to like a thread of hope.This quotation serves as a reminder that it's essential to hold on to the string of hope that comes from our values when things seem hopeless. By living in accordance with our values, we give our life purpose, meaning, and resilience. Our core beliefs serve as a

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