Hamlet's Arrogance Essay

The essence of a tragic hero lies in their possession of a flaw that leads to their own downfall, despite evoking sympathy from the audience. Hamlet, the eponymous character in a Shakespearean tragedy, faces deep emotional turmoil and internal struggles, garnering the audience's solicitude. However, driven by a desire for revenge, he succumbs to his arrogant hamartia, resulting in unintended consequences and the demise of himself and those around him. Hamlet's arrogance is most evident in Act III Scene IV when he confronts his mother, Gertrude, and inadvertently kills Polonius. He criticizes and lectures Gertrude on her choices, particularly her marriage to Claudius, his uncle and his father's brother. Assuming a superior and judgmental attitude, Hamlet condemns

9). He immediately challenges her, accusing her of having offended his father, showing an act of arrogance as he assumes the moral high ground. Throughout the conversation, he displays entitlement and self-righteousness, believing he knows what is best for Gertrude, while remaining insensitive to her feelings. In the peak of his arrogance, Hamlet denounces Gertrude's relationship with Claudius, labeling it vile and immoral. He accuses Claudius of being a murderer and shows no restraint in his judgment. Tragically, this arrogance leads to unintended consequences when he unintentionally kills Polonius, hidden behind a curtain. As Hamlet makes a pass through the arras and kills Polonius, he says, "How now, a rat? Dead for a ducat, dead!" (3.4. 27-28). Hamlet shows no remorse for this act, justifying it as necessary to avenge his father's death. This impulsive act sets off a chain of events, resulting in further tragedies, including the deaths of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. Hamlet's arrogance blinds him to the potential consequences of his actions, leading to his own downfall. Throughout Act III Scene IV, Hamlet's arrogance is evident through his disrespectful and domineering behavior towards