Samuel Johnson writes "Hamlet is
through the piece rather an instrument than an agent." This statement is
true, it is exhibited in several ways. The manner in which Hamlet's father
manifests himself is an indication of his true intentions. Hamlet acts as an
earthly means of revenge, he is the output for actions directed by a mortal
being. Inner weakness has riddled Hamlet's life, it runs rampant in his
decisions, or lack of, and has plagued his fate. His inability to overcome
insecurity, procrastination, and an over analytical mind contribute,
overwhelmingly, to his downfall. Hamlet allows negative character attributes to
steer his life, the point being, He is an instrument of his own indecision,
which spawned from flaws within his character. Establishing Hamlet's sanity is
a difficult task. It's stability in his life is questionable, but his
contemplation of madness has left him vulnerable to its control. This control
has led Hamlet to act outside of character and in an extremely peculiar
fashion. Hamlet is an instrument of his father, his own self, and of sanity.
The appearances of the Ghost, although
sporadic, do not come without meaning. Hamlet Senior, arguably, is one of
Shakespeare's finest creations. The character was molded using the Elizabethan
view on death and apparitions. Such belief stated hauntings had a communication
value that was used to seek resolve in unfinished business. The basis for
Hamlet Senior's untimely visits should be sought. "Revenge his foul and
most unnatural murder." (Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. United kingdom:
Longman Group UK Limited, 1995. Act One, Scene Five, ll 29.) The above
quotation provides insight into the Ghost's purpose. Hamlet is a device that is
readily available for use, he is the bridge between death, vengeance, and
reality. Hamlet had been already
effected by the marriage of his Uncle, Claudius, to his Mother, but the factor
that remains liable for Hamlet's eventual downfall is the involvement of the
apparition. To classify
-1-
Hamlet as an
instrument of his father is not farfetched. His obsession with life and it's
happenings cannot be attributed to his madness, the revenge that coursed
through Hamlet's veins provided a platform for his antic disposition to finally
be laid out. One must not lose sight of the fact that Hamlet's vengeance was
spurred by his father, thus making him a tool of Hamlet Senior's involvement
and wishes.
Flaws in character have also proven to be
costly for Hamlet. Instead of relying on positive characteristics, Hamlet
emphasizes weakness in will, procrastination, and indecision. "He seems
incapable of deliberate action, and is only hurried into extremities on the
spur of the occasion, when he has no time to reflect, as in the scene where he
kills Polonius and again, where he alters the letters which Rosencrantz and
Guildenstern are taking with them to England purporting his death."
(Bratchell, D.F. Shakespearean Tragedy. New York: Routledge, 1990.) Hamlet has
fallen to a poor will, he acts blindly and therefore behaves in a harsh manner
and without cause. "Begin murderer; pox, leave thy damnable faces and
begin. Come; the croaking raven doth bellow for revenge." (Act Three,
Scene Two, ll 258.) His obsession with revenge is terrifying, it has mangled
his thoughts and damaged his will. "He clearly was a heroic revenger, a
procrastinator, lost in thought and weak of will." (Courtney, Richard.
Shakespeare's World of Death: the early tragedies. Toronto, Simon & Pierre
Publishing Company Limited, 1995.) Hamlet is a brave soul, but his sense of
good judgement wanders, and procrastination becomes more apparent with each new
day. It is by his "...Careless of death" attitude that Hamlet
"loses the power of action in the energy of resolve." (Bratchell,
D.F. Shakespearean Tragedy.)
Madness can be taken on in two forms, one
being the insanity of mind and the latter
being of the heart. Madness of the mind would entail that a person is
capable of planning and
-2-
scheming harmful
events and/or weapons. Madness of the heart is much more devastating. To be mad
at heart would mean that the ability to make critical decisions is still
present. Hamlet is mad on both levels. "His contradictory extremes of
conduct were reminiscent of the Elizabethan accounts of melancholy...Such an
approach makes Hamlet mostly mad and rarely sane." (Courtney, Richard.
Shakespeare's World of Death: the early tragedies.) Courtney comments on
Hamlet's feelings in relation to his actions. Hamlet's mind, on occasion is
critical, but his actions are those of a madman. The madness that pervades him
is, ironically, admitted easily. "I essentially am not in madness, but mad
in craft." (Act Three, Scene Four, ll 206-207.) He is conscious of his
actions and openly admits to madness in them. The problem that lies is its
control. Sanity is questioned to the point that it has become overbearing and
manipulative. It has molded Hamlet's
life, he no longer has command, it is has been lost in madness.
The Ghost of Hamlet Senior, indecision,
and sanity are important factors that contribute immensely to Hamlet's life.
His actions in life will surely be remembered in purgatory, but what must be
examined is his individuality. He, by no means, was a leader. His indecision,
which lasted for months at a time, revealed his character. The decisions that
his actions backed were clearly made in haste and can be to the credit of an
outside force. Sanity and life, two factors that rip Hamlet in two, are result
of an overactive mind that has countered all action through the ability to find
reason in inaction. His follower and
procrastinating lifestyle has made him an instrument of many elements within
his life.
-3-
Works Cited
1. Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. United
Kingdom: Longman Group UK Limited, 1995.
2. Bratchell, D.F. Shakespearean Tragedy. New
York: Routledge, 1990.
3. Courtney, Richard. Shakespeare's World of
Death: the early tragedies. Toronto: Simon & Pierre Publishing Company
Limited, 1995.
Name: Philip Tome
Teacher: Mrs. Hastings
Course: ENG-4A1
Due Date: Monday, December 2, 1996
No comments:
Post a Comment