Hamlet is one of Shakespeare’s most popular and most enigmatic characters, and for good reason. The play has stood the test of time and continues to be studied and performed globally. A remarkable aspect of this iconic figure is his portrayal as a tragic hero, a character who has a fatal flaw leading to his downfall. Hamlet’s complex and ambiguous nature leaves audiences feeling both empathetic and disturbed.
Key Takeaways
- Hamlet is a tragic hero because he has a fatal flaw that causes his downfall.
- His fatal flaw is his indecisiveness, which leads him to delay taking action against his father’s murderer.
- Hamlet’s reversal of fortune occurs when he accidentally kills Polonius, and eventually finds out about his father’s murderer.
- The catharsis Hamlet elicits is the audience’s release of emotions, such as pity, fear, and sadness, through his tragic story.
Hamlet’s Fatal Flaw
Hamlet’s fatal flaw is his indecisiveness. He is unable to take swift and decisive action towards avenging his father’s murder. While it is commendable that he wants to make sure that the ghost he saw was really his father’s, he spends too much time pondering over this rather than taking effective action. Furthermore, his obsession with avenging his father takes an unusual form – he wants to kill his uncle, who has taken over the throne and married his mother. However, he vacillates between doing something about it and continuing to wallow in his emotional pain.
Reversal of Fortune
Hamlet’s reversal of fortune occurs when he accidentally kills Polonius, thinking it was his uncle hiding behind the curtain. This event leads to his exile to England, which causes him to question his own identity and purpose in life. Later, the discovery of his father’s murder plot accentuates his confusion, further leading to his downfall.
The Catharsis of Hamlet’s Tragic Story
The catharsis that Hamlet’s story elicits from the audience is the emotional release of pity, fear, and sadness. The audience feels pity for Hamlet’s struggle with his identity and place in the world. They feel fear over the consequences of his actions, and sadness over his eventual downfall.
In conclusion, Hamlet’s character is a complex and multi-faceted portrayal of a tragic hero. His fatal flaw, indecisiveness, leads to his downfall, which is catalyzed by his accidental killing of Polonius and the subsequent discovery of his father’s murder plot. The catharsis that his tragic story elicits from the audience is a powerful release of emotions. Hamlet’s character continues to be studied and appreciated by audiences globally, which speaks to the enduring nature of Shakespeare’s works.
FAQ
What is the definition of a tragic hero?
A tragic hero is a character who has a tragic flaw leading to their downfall. They are often portrayed as noble characters who are flawed, leading to their eventual demise.
What is Hamlet’s fatal flaw?
Hamlet’s fatal flaw is his indecisiveness. He spends too much time pondering over his situation, rather than taking effective action towards avenging his father’s murder.
What is catharsis?
Catharsis is the emotional release of the audience through the representation of a character’s struggles and eventual downfall. It often engenders feelings of pity, fear, and sadness in the audience.