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Is Hamlet Relevant Today

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Though far removed from the society encompassing the world of Hamlet, humanity today faces the same decisions, adversity, and emotions that have characterized the human race for centuries. Shakespeare paints vivid character sketches in Hamlet that do not solely apply to the story of Hamlet. These archetypes reoccur in literature and life, timelessly representing the human condition and the human race. Poloniuses still walk the street craving power and status. Cladiuses still deceive their brothers and commit unspeakable crimes. Hamlets still mourn losses and grieve alone. Ophelias still fall in love. Therefore, Hamlet proves relevant to society today based on the familiar struggles of revenge versus forgiveness, dealing with grief and tragedy, …show more content…

Instead, it shocks, frightens, and numbs those to whom it affects. It instantaneously leaves people with less than they had before, heightened emotions, and doubts. Dealing with any form of tragedy requires some sort of coping. Coping mechanisms vary. In Hamlet’s case, Claudius mocked his grief. When addressing Hamlet’s choice to grieve his father and wear black, Claudius remarked, “But to persever in obstinate condolement is a course of impious stubbornness” (Shakespeare 7). Mockery catalyzed Hamlet’s revenge and increased his sardonic remarks. Moreover, Hamlet went to lengthy measures to avenge his father’s death, but also toys with the idea of wishing to die. His emotions, plagued by a sense of solitude and sadness lead him to famously say, “To be, or not to be that is the question. Whether ‘tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune or to take arms against a sea of troubles, and by opposing end them” (Shakespeare 26). Hamlet identifies with so many people when he deals with the prospect of loneliness and feelings of living a purposeless life. Hamlet remains relevant to today’s culture in its raw approach to grief. Shakespeare does not shy away from tragedy, coping with tragedy, and grieving tragedy. In this way, Shakespeare establishes a timeless connection with his reader, solidifying its

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