Shakespeare was a groundbreaking pioneer in his time and wrote plays that were totally different from anything the world had ever seen before. He explored the human spirit and what happens when it is challenged. He also tested the limits of language, inventing new words and phrases. Big Willy wrote Hamlet between 1599 and 1601, and the play tells the story of Prince Hamlet. Hamlet, in particular, has a lot of "most famous" things in it. It is Shakespeare's most famous play about Shakespeare's most famous character Hamlet, and it contains Shakespeare's most famous line: "To be or not to be, that is the question." If extraterrestrials were to visit Planet Earth, we would probably put a copy of Hamlet in their welcome basket. It's that good. Now, over 400 years after William Shakespeare wrote the play, readers and audiences are still connecting with it. Here I am going to consider “Hamlet” as a revenge tragedy.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Hamlet as a revenge play
- Characteristics of a revenge play and their application in “Hamlet”
- Such play deals with the theme of murder or some crime to the person of the state
- The ghost of the dead appears to tell about the identity of the killer
- In a traditional revenge play the dramatist introduces physical difficulties in the way of revenge, but in an advanced revenge play inner conflict is given prime importance
- Examples of Conflict
- In revenge play the effects of the revenge are serious on both the avenger and avenged
- One important part of all revenge plays is that after the revenge is finally decided upon, the tragic hero delays the actual revenge until the end of the play
- Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
The objective of this essay is to analyze Shakespeare's "Hamlet" as a revenge tragedy, examining its adherence to the conventions of the revenge play genre prevalent during the Elizabethan era. The essay explores the play's development as an advancement on earlier revenge tragedies, highlighting Shakespeare's innovative approach to character psychology and thematic depth.
- Revenge as a central theme and its driving force in the plot
- The role of the ghost and the supernatural in establishing the play's atmosphere and conflict
- Internal conflict within Hamlet as a key element differentiating the play from traditional revenge tragedies
- The exploration of various types of conflicts, both internal and external
- The consequences of revenge for both the avenger and the avenged
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory section provides background on Shakespeare's groundbreaking work and the enduring appeal of "Hamlet," specifically focusing on its classification as a revenge tragedy. It briefly touches upon the Elizabethan era and the influence of earlier revenge plays, setting the stage for a deeper analysis of "Hamlet's" place within this genre.
Hamlet as a revenge play: This chapter establishes "Hamlet" as a quintessential example of an Elizabethan revenge tragedy, tracing its conventions back to Greek tragedies and Seneca’s influence. It emphasizes the play's adherence to the established structure of revenge plays while highlighting Shakespeare's innovative approach that elevated it above its predecessors. The chapter underscores "Hamlet's" unique blend of classic revenge elements with psychological depth.
Characteristics of a revenge play and their application in “Hamlet”: This chapter delves into the defining characteristics of revenge plays, analyzing their application within "Hamlet." It examines the play’s central theme of revenge following a murder impacting the state, the role of the ghost in revealing the killer's identity, the conflict driving the plot, and the inherent delays in executing revenge. Specific examples are drawn from the actions and internal struggles of both Hamlet and Laertes, showcasing the complex interplay of external events and internal psychological battles. The significance of Hamlet's inner conflict as a departure from traditional revenge plays is analyzed in detail.
Keywords
Hamlet, revenge tragedy, Elizabethan era, revenge, ghost, inner conflict, psychological drama, Shakespeare, Claudius, Laertes, morality, justice.
Frequently Asked Questions: Hamlet as a Revenge Tragedy
What is the purpose of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive preview of an essay analyzing Shakespeare's Hamlet as a revenge tragedy. It includes a table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords. The aim is to offer a structured and professional overview of the essay's content, suitable for academic use.
What topics are covered in the essay?
The essay focuses on analyzing Hamlet within the context of Elizabethan revenge tragedies. Key themes explored include revenge as a central plot driver, the role of the ghost and the supernatural, Hamlet's internal conflict (a key differentiator from traditional revenge plays), various types of conflicts (internal and external), and the consequences of revenge for both the avenger and the avenged.
What are the main characteristics of a revenge tragedy discussed in the essay?
The essay examines several characteristics of revenge tragedies, including: the theme of murder or crime against the state, the appearance of a ghost revealing the killer's identity, the presence of both external and internal conflicts, the significant delays in enacting revenge, and the serious consequences for both the avenger and the avenged. The essay specifically analyzes how Hamlet adheres to and deviates from these conventions.
How does Hamlet differ from traditional revenge tragedies?
The essay highlights Hamlet's unique contribution to the revenge tragedy genre by emphasizing Shakespeare's innovative approach to character psychology and thematic depth. It argues that Hamlet's internal conflict is a key departure from traditional revenge plays, adding a layer of psychological complexity not typically found in earlier examples of the genre.
What is the role of the ghost in Hamlet?
The ghost plays a crucial role in establishing the play's atmosphere and conflict. As a common element in revenge tragedies, the ghost's appearance and revelations set the plot in motion by revealing the identity of the murderer and fueling Hamlet's quest for revenge.
What are the key chapters and their summaries?
The essay includes an introduction providing background on Hamlet and the revenge tragedy genre. A chapter dedicated to Hamlet as a revenge play traces its conventions to earlier works and highlights Shakespeare's innovations. Another chapter delves into the characteristics of revenge plays and their application within Hamlet, offering detailed analysis of the play's themes and conflicts. A conclusion is also included.
What are the keywords associated with this essay?
Key terms used throughout the essay include: Hamlet, revenge tragedy, Elizabethan era, revenge, ghost, inner conflict, psychological drama, Shakespeare, Claudius, Laertes, morality, and justice.
For whom is this document intended?
This document is intended for academic use, providing a structured overview suitable for researchers and students analyzing themes in Shakespeare's Hamlet and the conventions of Elizabethan revenge tragedies.
- Quote paper
- Poonam Valera (Author), 2013, Hamlet as a Revenge Play, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/230122
