Five Quote Shakespeare: Hamlet Character Analysis

Overview

• Series Purpose: Analyze nine and a half characters from "Hamlet."
• Focus of Video: Character traits of Hamlet and analysis of quotes supporting these traits.

Hamlet's Character Traits

Overthinking

• Revenge Plot: Hamlet's intelligence leads to paralysis in a revenge plot setting.
• Intelligence: Displayed through clever wordplay and deep philosophical reasoning.
• Quote Example: "A little more than kin and less than kind" - signifies his opposition to Claudius.

High Intelligence

• Intelligence and Inaction: His intelligence justifies inaction, causing frustration and neurosis.
• Quote Example: "Now might I do it pat" - Hamlet deliberates killing Claudius, leading to inaction.

Sensitivity and Neuroticism

• Friends' Observation: Friends note his overthinking; Rosencrantz and Horatio make insightful comments.
• Existential Thoughts: Hamlet's deep existential concerns, e.g., "To be or not to be."

Idealism and Naivety

• Honest and Naive: Surprised by Claudius's treachery, lacks shrewdness.
• Quote Example: "Villain, villain, smiling, damned villain" - astonished by Claudius's evil.

Puritanical and Absolutist

• Black and White Thinking: Demands perfection, leading to splitting (all good or all bad thinking).
• Criticism of Denmark: Condemns Denmark's customs as dishonorable.

Alienation and Isolation

• Existential Isolation: Feels disconnected from Denmark and friends due to high ideals.
• Misogyny: Projects mother issues onto Ophelia; blanket disdain for women.

Arrogance and Snobbery

• Elitism: Looks down on less intelligent or cultured individuals.
• Quote Example: "Caviar to the general" - disdain for the masses' lack of sophistication.

Psychological Complexity

Narcissism

• Self-Importance: Needs admiration, believes in superiority.
• Insecurity: Deep feelings of inadequacy and shame.

Borderline Personality Disorder

• Mood Swings: Intense emotional variability, chronic emptiness.

Histrionic Personality Disorder

• Attention Seeking: Acts dramatically, needs to be center of attention.

Depression and Mania

• Manic Depressive States: Swing between intense excitement and deep despair.
• Suicidal Ideation: Regularly expresses a desire to escape life.

Passive Aggressive Behavior

• Indirection in Action: Distance from murder events, avoids direct responsibility.
• Cunning and Deception: Uses antic disposition as a shield.

Conclusion

• Complex Heroic Failure: Hamlet's traits render him unfit for the traditional heroic role.
• Self-Hate: Rooted in splitting and lack of heroic qualities.

Final Thoughts

• Study Aid: These notes summarize key aspects of Hamlet's character for deeper study and understanding.
• Invitation: Encouragement to explore further videos in the series for additional insights into "Hamlet."