Lecture Notes: Five Quote Shakespeare - Hamlet Character Analysis
Background
Setting: Denmark, late Middle Ages.
Plot: Prince Hamlet returns from studying in Wittenberg after his father, King Hamlet's death. His uncle Claudius marries his mother, Gertrude.
Key Characters
Hamlet
Complexity: One of the most complex characters in literature; resistant to singular analysis.
Thinker, Not Doer: Known for his indecisiveness and overthinking, leading to paralysis.
Intelligence and Sensitivity: Hamlet's intelligence makes him see complexities, causing inaction; compassionate, yet arrogant.
Artistic and Dreamy: Shows enthusiasm for the arts, suggesting he's ill-suited for politics and revenge.
Idealism: Holds unrealistic ideals, especially regarding women and authority figures.
Moralism and Isolation: Critiques the world from a moral high ground; feels isolated due to his ideals.
Psychological Struggles: Displays signs of mental health issues, such as depression and narcissism.
Claudius
Pragmatic Realist: A doer who takes action, seizes power by killing his brother.
Cynical and Ruthless: Benefits from the world’s corruption, exploits Hamlet’s weaknesses.
Survivor: Willing to do anything to maintain power.
Gertrude
Passive: Little character development; seen as weak and easily swayed.
Questionable Loyalty: Quickly remarries Claudius; unclear if motivated by ambition or affection.
Polonius
Pompous and Hypocritical: Advisor who gives wise advice but does not follow it.
Foolish and Cynical: Easily manipulated by Hamlet, assumes the worst in others.
Ophelia
Meek and Obedient: Subservient to her father and Hamlet.
Sensitive and Naive: Easily manipulated, her madness is a result of compounded pressures.
Laertes
Foil to Hamlet: Quick to action, unlike Hamlet's hesitance.
Manipulated by Claudius: Used to advance Claudius's plot against Hamlet.
Horatio
Loyal Friend: Hamlet’s confidant; rational and calm.
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern
Reluctant Spies: Childhood friends of Hamlet, caught in Claudius’s web.
Character Foils: Highlight Hamlet's isolation and paranoia.
Themes
Isolation and Depression: Hamlet's loneliness is exacerbated by the lack of true allies.
Moral Complexity: Characters show the dangers of idealism and moral absolutism.
Political and Personal Struggles: Hamlet’s personal weaknesses render him unfit for the political demands thrust upon him.
Takeaway
Shakespeare masterfully weaves complex character studies to explore themes of morality, politics, and psychological struggle in "Hamlet." His work continues to be a profound psychological exploration of human nature.