Sidekicks In Hamlet

People need people. All throughout history, humankind has relied on other humans to survive, prosper, and develop. Humans are not supposed to live entirely alone due to the complexity of human thinking and emotional state; in addition, the environment a human lives in causes new problems that opposes the normalities of easy-living. Shakespeare delves into human thinking by portraying realistic scenes, set in an older time period, that have the ability to transcend into modern day. Whether it be a romantic tragedy or satirical play, Shakespeare expertly places common human themes that challenges critical thinking and problem-solving skills that one may endure through a human lifetime. In order to help Shakespeare accomplish this goal in his

To understand Shakespearean sidekicks, one must first understand the hero and that they are not like modern heroes; however, Shakespeare’s heroes are the main focal point of the play or drama because they are of high social class but are corrupt in some fashion. Typically, heroes are seen as morally righteous and represent self-sacrifice for the greater good; on the other hand, Shakespeare’s heroes resemble the exact opposite. Bronwyn Williams, writer of the article “Action Heroes and Literate Sidekicks,” states that heroes “are usually male” (682) and “embody traditionally masculine characteristics such as physical strength, calmness under pressure, and stoicism” (684). Both the main heroes, Prince Hamlet and Macbeth, exemplify Williams’ aforementioned stereotypes and also are a concise

In Hamlet, Prince Hamlet’s flaw is very evident when he states, “To take him in the purging of his soul/ When he is fit and seasoned for his passage?/ No./ Up, sword, and know thou a more horrid hent” (III. iii. 86-89). The whole entire play after Hamlet finds out that his Uncle Claudius murdered his father, he plots the execution of his selfish uncle. However, Prince Hamlet had the opportune time to avenge his father’s murderer but his recurring indecisiveness continues to get the best of him. Consequently, Hamlet’s over thinking and patience when it comes to making important decisions is what does not make him worthy of inheriting the throne. Within Macbeth, Macbeth’s true colors are revealed when he states, “If the assassination/ Could trammel up the consequence, and catch/ With his surcease success; that but this blow/ Might be the be-all and the end-all here,/ But here, upon this bank and shoal of time,/ We’d jump the life to come” (I. vii. 2-7). As a character, Macbeth starts out the play sane and not willing to murder anyone so that he will make a personal gain. However, as Macbeth thought about how, if done correctly, the murder could fulfil his prophecy quickly instead of waiting patiently for the prophecy play out. Although Macbeth and Hamlet both have their tragic flaws that ultimately lead to their demise,