Hamlet's Problema
William Shakespeare’s Hamlet portrays the most captivating and elaborated character of all Shakespearean tragedies, Prince Hamlet. The Wittenberg scholar faces numerous predicaments throughout the play. A series of unforeseen events occur after the untimely death of his father, the king of Danes. These occurrences deeply affect Hamlet’s state of being and his inability to act. Contrary to idea that Hamlet is insane, his emotions control his state of being (Bradley 120). Hamlet’s grief and sorrow causes him to think too precisely of certain events (Bradley 76). Conversely, the prince acts only under the conditions of impulse and rage (Prosser 127). Unfortunately, Hamlet’s inability to act renders his own demise. Some conclude that Hamlet’s melancholy is the center of the tragedy (Bradley 77). Hamlet is gravely affected by particular events that lead to his state of melancholia. One reason for his unhappiness is initiated in the death of the King of Danes. Hamlet’s first soliloquy addresses the death of his father, Seems to me all the uses of this world! Fie on’t! ah fie! ‘tis an unweeded garden, That grows to see; things rank and gross in nature Possess it merely. (Shakespeare I:II 134-137). The prince’s gloomy outlook on life is exemplified in these lines. Many believe that he possesses a depressing view of life and that he has lost all sense of purpose (Knight 81). He initially wishes he would die because there would be no honorable way he can act to relieve his emotions and defend his father’s death (Summers 147). The unforeseen death of his father causes him extreme anguish and pain. This major event is a significant contribution to Hamlet’s miserable state. Hamlet’s soliloquy in the second scene of the play also presents another contributing factor to his solemn mood. Hamlet expresses, …within a month: Ere yet the salt of most unrighteous tears Had left the flushing in her galled eyes, She married. O, most wicked speech, to post With such dexterity to incestuous sheets! (Shakespeare I:II 153-157) The lines demonstrate Hamlet’s repulsion of his mother Gertrude’s hasty marriage to his father’s brother, Claudius. He reasons that his mother is quick to forget of her love for King Hamlet. Additionally, the prince is sickened at thought of the incestuous relationship of his mother and his uncle (Knight 81).