...garmets, heavy with their drink, pulld (ing) the poor wretch from her melodious lay to muddy death” (Hamlet IV.7.166-183). As the river engulfed her body and pressed her down to the bottom, her father and Hamlet were filling her with madness to the point of breaking. Her father dressed her in the court garmets that weighed her down and forced her to be apart of the court. She was never meant to be apart of the court and...
Words: 428 - Pages: 2
...Annotated Bibliography for Hamlet Thesis: In Hamlet, Ophelia faces the constant struggle to find her identity, due to male superiority and lack of mother. If Ophelia were to live in today’s world, she would most likely suffer from depression, abuse, and eating disorders due to her lack of personal identity. Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. New York: Dover Publications, 1992. Print. Hamlet, by William Shakespeare is the main text used for relations to Ophelia and her lack of personal identity. This play provides us with first-hand information on Ophelia’s downward spiral into insanity, which results in her own personal demise. This source is very appropriate, due to the fact that it is the first-hand insight into what Shakespeare portrayed Ophelia as, in her role in Hamlet. Therefore, it is believed that all information found in it, can be trusted and used accordingly, to relate Ophelia and her insanity due to contributing factors in her social environment. I found this source, in class, as it was our primary learning source in the discussions we had about Hamlet. This source is unlike my other sources, due to the fact that it is the base text for my work. From this source, I can learn how Ophelia slowly fell into madness, and what events helped lead up to her peak of insanity in the play. This helps develop my essay, because it is the main source that I will be using in relation to my other research sources. Considering that this is my base text, it is relatable to both my...
Words: 1393 - Pages: 6
...Psychoanalysis of Hamlet’s Subconscious Psychoanalytic http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamlet In the first half of the 20th century, when psychoanalysis was at the height of its influence, its concepts were applied to Hamlet, notably by Sigmund Freud, Ernest Jones, and Jacques Lacan, and these studies influenced theatrical productions. Freud suggested that an unconscious oedipal conflict caused Hamlet's hesitations. (Artist: Eugène Delacroix 1844). In his The Interpretation of Dreams (1900), Freud's analysis starts from the premise that "the play is built up on Hamlet's hesitations over fulfilling the task of revenge that is assigned to him; but its text offers no reasons or motives for these hesitations".[83] After reviewing various literary theories, Freud concludes that Hamlet has an "Oedipal desire for his mother and the subsequent guilt [is] preventing him from murdering the man [Claudius] who has done what he unconsciously wanted to do".[84] Confronted with his repressed desires, Hamlet realises that "he himself is literally no better than the sinner whom he is to punish".[83] Freud suggests that Hamlet's apparent "distaste for sexuality"—articulated in his "nunnery" conversation with Ophelia—accords with this interpretation.[85][86] John Barrymore's long-running 1922 performance in New York was characterized as "revolutionary in its use of Freudian psychology; in keeping with the post World War I rebellion against everything...
Words: 4481 - Pages: 18
...Noor Bhatti Mr. Frank English 12 AP 05 March 2014 The Ghost in Kenneth Brannagh’s Hamlet: A Masterpiece William Shakespeare’s Hamlet is a tragedy known for its drama and portrayal of its characters. For many decades, the play has undergone different interpretations as well as criticisms. An important factor of the play that has gone through this criticism is the character of the ghost who appears to be Hamlet’s dead father. After the first encounter between Hamlet and his “father”, it seems apparent that the ghost is in fact Old Hamlet, returning to Earth to have his son avenge his treacherous murder. In spite of this encounter when looking more closely at the text, various signs appear to lead readers to see that the ghost is actually a demon. Joseph Addison in his essay, published in The Spectator 1711 states, “The Appearance of the Ghost in Hamlet is a Masterpiece in its kind…but every Time he enters he is still more terrifying” (Addison 2). Kenneth Branagh’s 1996 production of Hamlet vividly portrays these signs of malevolence, of this being originating from Hell. Baranagh brilliantly depicts the demon that Shakespeare wrote in the early 1600’s from Act I Scenes I and IV/V as well as Act III Scene IV in his movie. As the play begins the first mystery that the characters come across is the “ghost” that embodies their old King. Horatio, Hamlet’s old friend as well as a noble scholar approaches the ghost, commanding it, “By heaven I charge thee, speak...
Words: 1893 - Pages: 8
...great suffering, destruction, and distress. Arthur Miller's essay, 'Tragedy and the Common Man', contributes many different ideas on how he perceived tragedy. Trying to fulfil one's lives and personalities is usually how a tragic story happens. Hamlet tries to get revenge on Claudius when he find out what really happened to his father, starting his tragic story. He feels betrayed and is working hard to get his rightful position back. There is always the possibility that Hamlet is going to succeed in his mission. Tragedy is something that happens to everyone that is trying to fulfill themselves as a person, someone that is on a mission to get what they want. Hamlet starts with the plan of trying to get revenge on Claudius when he find out what the complete truth of what happened to his father. This is explained when he says, "As meditation or the thoughts of love, may sweep to my revenge." (Act 1, Scene 5, lines 30-31). He is a tragic hero, in which he goes on this mission of trying to get revenge for himself and his father, and ultimately succeeds, but then dies. He had a plan throughout the play, had many chances to fulfil the plan, but never went through with it. In Arthur Miller's essay, this is explained when he says "The tragic feeling is evoked in us when we are in the presence of a character who is ready to lay down his life, if need be, to secure one thing--his sense of personal dignity." (Miller, pg 1). Hamlet was doing all of this just for his father and for himself...
Words: 1088 - Pages: 5
...Analysis: Hamlet In the tragedy Hamlet, the prince of Denmark, Hamlet is this young man who experiences close relation death which was his father. He later finds out it was his uncle who murdered his father just to take heir to the throne. Hamlet constant brooding about death and humanity comes ahead. (Tennen) Hamlet is arguably the greatest dramatic character ever created from the moment we meet the crestfallen prince we are enraptured by his elegant intensity. (Mabillard) William Shakespeare hamlet follows the young prince Hamlet home to Denmark to attend his father’s funeral. (Stockton) In “Hamlet” the tragedy hamlet the prince holds a great internal conflict throughout the play. (Studymode) On a dark winter night a ghost walks the ramparts of Elsinore castle in Denmark. (Sparknotes)The first edition of hamlet was published in 1603 from a previous sketch composed several years earlier the second one following 1604. (Bates) Shakespeare’s most famous tragedy Bernado’s question betrays the mood of uncertainty that prevails throughout the play. (George) So speaks Shakespeare’s prince hamlet of the transient nature of all mankind throughout the play humanity and frailty is a common theme. (Mortensen) In Hamlet the tragedy, hamlet, the prince of Demark with holds a great internal conflict throughout the play. (Directessays) Hamlet is Shakespeare’s longest play and the play responsible for the immortal lines “to be or not to be that is the question” (Taylor) The story hamlet is set...
Words: 3813 - Pages: 16
...Essay Two This essay discusses how Prince Hamlet speaks and acts different in Act V, scene II, than in other parts of the play. Throughout the play Hamlet is conflicted and revengeful when he finds out that his uncle Claudius had murdered his father. Hamlet can never seem to take action. He procrastinates and overthinks almost every situation he is in. Hamlet also fears death and what consequences his actions will have. In Act V, scene II, Prince Hamlet speaks and acts very different he overcomes being afraid of death. He also stops overthinking very move he makes. Hamlet also starts doing what he wants to do and keeping to his word. Act I is where Hamlet is first challenged. Hamlet cannot understand why he is the only one being affected...
Words: 900 - Pages: 4
...Actions always have consequences; an essay about Hamlets obsessions and passions In this essay, the main character Hamlet from the play “Hamlet” written by William Shakespeare will be analyzed to find out what consequences he had to deal with due to his obsessions and passions. In this play, Hamlet’s obsessions and passions represent who he is and what he stands for; moreover, his obsessions with seeking revenge on his father, religion, and love cause Hamlet to have to deal with many consequences due to his actions which leads to his death. One of the main themes in this play is revenge, and Hamlets biggest obsession in this play is seeking revenge on Claudius for his father’s death. Hamlets plot for revenge starts after he speaks to The Ghost a.k.a his father who tells him that his brother killed him (Claudius). The Ghost ““But know, thou noble youth. The serpent that did sting thy father’s life. Now wears his crown.” (Act 1 Scene 5, Line 38 – 40). After Hamlet hears this, he goes insanely mad and becomes extremely obsessed in getting revenge for what his uncle did to his father. This obsession that takes over his life causes him to lose his self-control which leads to his death and other mains characters deaths. During the Elizabethan Era, religion was something that people, as well as Hamlet took very serious. Religion effected a lot of Hamlets decisions, and in Act 3, Hamlet had to a chance to kill Claudius while he was praying but he didn’t because he believed...
Words: 555 - Pages: 3
...downstairs and watch Hamlet!” A statement which might sound ludicrous at first, is in reality, more sensible than one might think. Since 1994, The Lion King has been a must-see film for children all around the world. Its 8.5 rating on IMDB lists it alongside of some of the greatest movies ever made. Children’s movies that were released around this time were all shallow and simplistic. The reason why The Lion King was so successful is because it was an unexpected and pleasant anomaly. The Lion King is a story of responsibility and revenge, masked by a setting that is known to be appealing to children. However, this is not the first time something with this same story line has been told. In fact, William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, one of the most popular pieces of literature of all time, parallels The Lion King in many more ways than one. The Lion King and Hamlet are best compared through the actions of the secondary characters, the exploration of the theme of death, and the striking similarities present in each works’ protagonist. Obviously, all plot events are not exactly the same, however the differences are insignificant to the point that the majority of the storyline and major characters still remain the same. The reflections of Hamlet in The Lion King are so strong that there are 3 sets of secondary characters that bear a striking resemblance to one another: Mufasa and King Hamlet, Claudius and Scar, as well as Rosencrantz and Guildenstern and the hyenas. King Hamlet ruled his country...
Words: 2399 - Pages: 10
...Thamara georges Period:8 Hamlet Essay Violence is not the answer! This statement has been repeated for years. But we never seem to get the message across. William Shakespeare wrote The Tragedy of Hamlet, which include many violent scenes. In the play, Prince Hamlet is the son of King Hamlet and Queen Gertrude. King Hamlet has recently died and Claudius, and king Hamlet brother, has been crowned the new King and has married Gertrude. Shortly after his mother's marriage, Prince Hamlet meets his father's ghost. The ghost tells Hamlet that Claudius killed him and encourages Hamlet to avenge his death by killing Claudius. Moreover, Ophelia was one of the victims of violence, her father was murdered, and later she committed suicide. Violence affected her future by not allowing her to explore her relationship with Hamlet....
Words: 386 - Pages: 2
...A Poison Tree, Anton Chekhov’s Misery and the Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark by William Shakespeare all show us how individual experiences shape interpretations. Many people believe that things happened in the past should stay in the past - which they should be forgotten. But others believe that your past defines who you are today. They believe that past experiences shape your identity. Our experiences shape our views and our treatment of others. Misery demonstrates how the experience of the death of a loved one, in this case, a son, can change the way you view the world entirely. Iona was suffering from the loss of his son, and when he tried to get people to feel or share in what he was going through, his feelings of despair were heightened by the fact that no one seemed to care. In A Poison Tree, the narrator shows us two sides of a similar situation. There’s the good and bad. Your emotions can cause you to react in ways that you would not normally react. When someone you know does wrong to you or someone you know, being able to forgive them may be easier to forgive than to forgive a person that you do not know so well. In this poem, the narrator is angry with his friend and is able to speak to his conscience and resolve the issue. But when he gets angry with his foe, he is unable to forgive and forget so easily. His emotions get the best of him, and his anger leads to tragedy. The Tragedy of Hamlet the Prince of Denmark also shows us how past events in our...
Words: 560 - Pages: 3
...Ranking the Play Hamlet The Shakespearean tragedy Hamlet is among the best ever written, and perhaps the very best. Why do the literary critics say this? In this essay let’s examine the play to see what makes it a prizewinner. Phyllis Abrahms and Alan Brody in “Hamlet and the Elizabethan Revenge Tragedy Formula” give some detail about the reasons for the undying popularity of this play: No play demonstrates the power and glory of Shakespeare’s tragic vision more than Hamlet, which for over 350 years has excited us with its action, its insight, its brilliant language. Hamlet is an unparalleled adventure story, complete with suspense, intrigue, murder – even a battle at sea with pirates. It is a play of intense emotional and physical violence. Yet underlying all of this are some of the most profound explorations of the mysteries of human existence. (43) This play is ranked by many as the very greatest ever written. Cumberland Clark in “The Supernatural in Hamlet” gives the consensus regarding Hamlet that exists among literary critics of today: At least six or seven years pass after the writing of Midsummer Night’s Dream before we find Shakespeare engaged on Hamlet, the second of the great plays with an important Supernatural element, and, in the opinion of many, the greatest tragedy ever penned. (99) There is no more exalted ranking than the above. Richard A. Lanham in the essay “Superposed Plays” maintains that no...
Words: 1789 - Pages: 8
...The Lion King and Hamlet Essay The Lion King & Hamlet - Comparative Essay “All it takes for Evil to prevail in this world is for good men to do nothing.” Disney’s The Lion King placed a children’s façade on a very serious story of responsibility and revenge. This theme, however, is one of the oldest in history, and while it is not the most apparent, it does exist by William Shakespeare. The Lion King seems not to be based on a fairytale, but rather on the Tragedy of Hamlet by William Shakespeare. The basic character archetypes are concealed, and the storyline is simplified for children. But with a closer inspection of the characters themselves and the storyline, we the seasoned readers, can see just how apparent these similarities are. The story of The Lion King closely parallels that of Hamlet. It is about the jealousy of an uncle named Scar towards his nephew, Simba, who is the son of the king, and rightful heir to the throne. This jealousy drives him to take drastic action to secure himself to the throne. The only way he can do this is to kill his brother, King Mufasa and Simba. He accomplishes this by killing Mufasa and goes on to become the King of the Pride Lands and leader of the pack, thus “marrying” Simba’s mother, Sarobi. After the plan that Scar puts into action is completed, Scar finds his plan was only half successful; Simba survives. However, the clever, smooth talking uncle tricks the young and susceptible Simba into thinking that he is responsible for...
Words: 1703 - Pages: 7
...Conflict Killed the Cat Hamlet is a man with problems. He is the Prince of a kingdom in turmoil and darkness. When I think of Hamlet, something that comes to mind is the DreamWorks film, Shrek. In the first Shrek movie, the titled character refers to him as being like an onion. Shrek explains that onions have layers and so does he. Shrek is more complex than one might think him to be. Hamlet is very similar in this way. I chose to use this play because of how real Hamlet’s character is. Hamlet is faced with an impossible situation. The play opens with an apparition walking the night. The night watchmen see him and tell Hamlet’s friend Horatio. In the meantime, Hamlet is introduced along with his mother Queen Gertrude and his uncle King Claudius. The couple remarks to Hamlet about getting over his mourning period and cheering up. Claudius tells Hamlet to consider that all men have fathers that die. Eventually everyone’s father dies. Hamlet is sad and angry at the same time. I think that Hamlet is resentful towards his mother, Gertrude. Hamlet feels that his mother has not mourned his father appropriately, that her mourning was too brief. He is also angry with her and his uncle for getting married. Hamlet feels that the marriage was too soon after the late King’s death. I think Hamlet is also bothered by the fact that Gertrude married her brother-in-law. Hamlet views it as being incestuous. There are more layers added to Hamlet’s mind. The ghost of...
Words: 861 - Pages: 4
...Brett Stewart The Quest for Utopia An individual’s quest for utopia can also be described as searching for an ideal. In the search for an ideal we look for our desire and perfection in life. The quest for utopia is examined through literature to find out what the ideal is and how it’s obtained or lost. The characters analyzed in this essay strive for perfection, success, and vengeance through their obstacles. The quest for the ideal is important because it shapes imagination, creativity, and lifestyle. Henry A. Kissinger explains where an ideal can be found, when he concludes, “For other nations, utopia is a blessed past never to be recovered; for [some people] it is just beyond the horizon.” Kissinger describes that for some, their ideal is in the past and others it’s in the future. The three pieces of literature examined in this essay are analyzed through Kissinger’s theory. In literature the quest for the ideal can often result in the pursuer’s death, this is shown in “The Great Gatsby,” “Sailing to Byzantium,” and “Hamlet.” Gatsby’s ambition to turn back time and fall in love with Daisy again, ultimately leads him to his downfall. Gatsby wanted to turn time back because Daisy and him were once deeply in love, however after Gatsby left for war she was doubtful he would return. Daisy found a more secure relationship with Tom Buchanan and Gatsby’s new ideal was to fulfill the American Dream and win Daisy over. However the American Dream has no room for love and...
Words: 952 - Pages: 4
