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 village. Having recently studied crossroads in Year 12 English, I think I can help answer one of your questions. You asked why is Hamlet regarded as a tragic cuneus and the play a classic tragedy? Before I can answer your question, you must first translate the difference between the meaning of tragedy to mean solar day and what is meant by tragedy in drama. Whereas a tragedy in life may 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 d experiencefall falls ultimately on himself. This is usually 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 much a tragedy, only it is also different, creation a revenge tragedy where the hero is driven by the need for revenge, not unlike 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 Royal Family of Denmark. A personality fault (the tragic flaw) causes the hero to act in a manner which brings about his own misfortune and at long last death, during which he lets the audience know he is dying by delivering a final speech. 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 beginning none of the suffering would have occurred. He also delivers his final speech sex act the audience of his death, I am dead Horatio. Wretched queen, adieu he exclaims after being poisoned by Laertes envenomed rapier.In a tragedy the pity and cultism (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 achieve learning. Hamlets ultimate death teaches the country of Denmark about Claudiuss murder and brings them under the reins of a upstart ruler Fortinbras of Norway.