Entry #13- Hamlet
Inner conflicts such as uncertainty and distress are very strenuous on society; they ignite turbulent feuds in human relationships and create struggles that accumulate to epic tales, to epic plays. In Shakespeare’s Hamlet, many of the characters encounter similar quarrels, particularly Hamlet. His father’s death is the severe incident and cause of his constant deliberation. Hamlet is confronted with opportunities to avenge his father’s murder, but his depraved, conscious, and rational considerations make him reluctant and hesitant to act. Hamlet’s indecisiveness is not only due to his awareness that Claudius’ murder would be immoral, but that killing him in a moment of repentance would grant Claudius the rewards of heaven. Due to his studies at Wittenberg, Hamlet has gained theological understanding that only contributes to the complexity of the situation. He is physically and emotionally sensitive to this relationship and struggles to handle the obvious immorality of the connection between Gertrude and Claudius. Hamlet is disinclined to sever family ties and proceed unjustly, yet he is fearful that he has failed to give justice on a deserved vengeance. Hamlet’s deferred actions are not signs of weakness; they are consequences of his immense understanding of the moral dilemma with which he faces in his family. As he argues with the consequences of a murder, he contemplates if moral ambivalence or cowardice affects his behavior. Hamlet’s uneasiness about a wicked revenge has transformed an established state of confidence into a distinctive internal conflict. Hamlet severely contrasts with the long-winded expressions of Polonius and the distrust of Claudius; the play severely contrasts with all common revenge tragedy’s ethical ease.