Why Hamlet is a Tragic Hero and the Play a Classic Tragedy :: essays research papers

Dear Kylie,I noticed your submission to Culture Magazine, regarding Shakespeares great play small t feature. Having recently studied Hamlet in Year 12 English, I think I can religious service answer one of your questions. You asked why is Hamlet regarded as a sad hero and the play a classic catastrophe? Before I can answer your question, you must first understand the difference amidst the meaning of cataclysm today and what is meant by tragedy in drama. Whereas a tragedy in life whitethorn be considered something such as a death or accident, in drama a tragedy in drama is much more. In a tragedy, although the hero may be in conflict with an opposing force, the cause of his downfall waterfall ultimately on himself. This is normally because of a character defect a tragic flaw which causes him to act in a way which ends up bringing about his own misfortune, suffering and ultimately death. Hamlet is very(prenominal) much a tragedy, but it is also different, being a penalise tr agedy where the hero is driven by the need for revenge, not foreign a modern day horror movie. Prince Hamlet is a tragedy of character where it is himself that brings his downfall, not fate. Well Kylie, a tragedy is usually a story of one person, with both the hero victims in the play usually of a high standing of society. This is especially the case in Hamlet, with his victims being King Claudius, Queen Gertrude, Polonious, Laertes, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, all being linked to the majestic Family of Denmark. A personality fault (the tragic flaw) causes the hero to act in a manner which brings about his own misfortune and eventually death, during which he lets the audience know he is dying by delivering a final examination linguistic process. In Hamlet, it is his tragic flaw of his indecisiveness and inability to act, which brings his own suffering and misfortune. Had he been able to kill King Claudius in the outset none of the suffering would have occurred. He also delive rs his final speech telling the audience of his death, I am dead Horatio. Wretched queen, leave-taking he exclaims after being poisoned by Laertes envenomed rapier.In a tragedy the pity and fear (known in drama as pathos) is ultimately replaced by an uplifting and suffering (known in drama as catharsis) Hamlets acts cause suffering but in the end ultimately strive learning. Hamlets ultimate death teaches the country of Denmark about Claudiuss murder and brings them under the reins of a new ruler Fortinbras of Norway.