Who Is Responsible For Hamlet's Downfall

Merriam Webster defines arrogance as an “attitude of superiority which is expressed in overbearing and condescending behaviours or bold and presumptuous claims” (Merriam Webster). In William Shakespeare's famous play Hamlet, Hamlet’s arrogance contributes to his demise as well as the demise of others, revealing itself as his hamartia. In fact, Hamlet’s arrogance is on full display when he disrespects his mother in her chamber. Following the play, Hamlet is unapologetic, judgemental and condescending when he accuses Gertrude of betraying his father as he states; “Mother, you have my father much offended. ” (Ham 3.4 11). Also, he is hurtful when he tells her that he wishes she were not his mother and forces her to sit down so that he can ‘hold a mirror’ to her flaws, highlighting

Hamlet also completely ignores the ghost’s advice to be gentle with his mother, showcasing his lack of empathy or understanding for feelings beyond his own. Furthermore, Hamlet demonstrates arrogance when he accidentally kills Polonius, mistaking him for Claudius. During their argument, Gertrude worries that Hamlet is going to kill her, so she begins crying out for help, this causes Polonius to begin squirming behind the curtain that he is hiding behind. Hamlet’s arrogance leads him to believe that it is Claudius behind the curtain, so he confidently stabs the moving figure, killing Polonius. Unfortunately, once he realizes his mistake, Hamlet is neither remorseful or apologetic about killing an innocent man and the father of the woman he claims to love. Instead, Hamlet insults a dead Polonius as he shouts; “Thou wretched, rash, intruding fool, farewell. I took thee for thy good. Take thy fortune, a sacrificial sacrificial sacrificial sacrificial sacrificial sacrificial sacrificial sacrificial sacrificial sacrificial sacrificial sacri Thou find’st to be too busy is some danger” (Ham.