Sociological Perspective In Hamlet

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Deemed an outcast by society because of his actions, Hamlet is sent by Claudius on a ship headed for England. This physical separation, from the surroundings he grew up with, represents Hamlet’s victory over society and his ability to now act according to his own will. However, instead of beginning a life anew, Hamlet decides to return to Denmark (against the wishes of Claudius). This unforeseen act can be explained as Hamlet tells Horatio on his way home, “There’s a divinity that shapes our ends, Rough-hew them how we will” (5.2 11-12). The word ‘divinity’ connotes a godly presence and demonstrates Hamlet’s embrace of his destiny. Moreover, the hyphenated expression ‘rough-hew’ denotes shaping a rough draft, uncompleted, which here represents life. No matter how one lives their life, their path has been predestined by a divine figure; and therefore, with this new reflection on the world, Hamlet accepts his destiny.