Hamlets Capacity For Self-Sacrifice Essay - 1716 Words

Topic: Discuss the ideas developed by the text creator about the individual’s capacity for self-sacrifice in the face of compelling circumstances. One single moment or event during the course of an individual’s life can effectively alter their priorities and transform their identity drastically. In The play Hamlet, by William Shakespeare, Shakespeare introduces the readers to the protagonist Hamlet who is draped in anger and emotions and has a new-found mission in life. Initially, Hamlet is portrayed as an individual in mourning over his fathers death and his mothers haste in remarrying to her brother-in-law and Hamlets uncle, Claudius. However, Hamlet’s character and personality were drastically altered after meeting the Ghost and†¦show more content†¦He therefore had to act mad even when talking to her because he realized his every move was being watched. This is evident when he told her he is not in love with her and that he never loved her. These statements by Hamlet caused him to inadvertently hurt Ophelia to such a great extent that she committed suicide. As a result, Hamlet was forced to permanent ly sacrifice his true love out of concern for his own safety and his goal. Hamlet’s determination and addiction for revenge is confirmed when he is willing to sacrifice his entrance to heaven by separating from his values and beliefs. Initially, Hamlet wishes â€Å"that this too too sullied flesh would melt, thaw, and resolve itself into a dew!† He is contemplating suicide as a result of his father’s death and his mother’s haste in remarrying to his father’s brother, Claudius. However, Hamlet brushes off this idea as an option by saying, â€Å"Or that the Everlasting had not fixed his canon ‘gainst self-slaughter! Oh, God, God† This portrays the religious beliefs of Hamlet at the time. He wishes suicide was not a sin. However, since it is, he cannot commit it. Similarly, Hamlet also shows his beliefs and values when the Ghost shares his story and then commands Hamlet to avenge his death.Show MoreRelatedThe Roles of Polonius in The Tragedy of Hamlet Essay2058 Words   |  9 Pagesdiscount of the authenticity of Hamlets intentions. It also adds credibility to his opinion of Ophelia as susceptible to fraudulent affections. It then seems quite appropriate as parental advice to say to her: Set your entreatments at a higher rate / Than a command to parley (I.iii.22-3). Polonius also imparts his worldly wisdom in his speech of personal conduct to Laertes (I.iii.59-80). 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