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Hamlet's Tragic Flaws as The Causes of His Downfall

Categories: Hamlet Tragic Hero William Shakespeare

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Published: Feb 12, 2022

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The essay discusses the tragic flaw of the character Hamlet in Shakespeare's play "Hamlet." Hamlet is portrayed as a tragic hero with the potential for greatness, but his downfall is attributed to his personality flaw of overthinking and complicating situations, leading to his inability to take decisive action.

The essay highlights three main aspects of Hamlet's tragic flaw. Firstly, Hamlet's tendency to overthink every situation is emphasized. Despite learning that Claudius is the murderer of his father, Hamlet procrastinates seeking vengeance due to his excessive contemplation and indecisiveness. His inability to act results in self-doubt and a gradual loss of sanity.

Secondly, the essay explores Hamlet's idealism and fatalism. Hamlet's desire for an ideal revenge and belief in predestination contribute to his procrastination. He waits for the perfect moment to avenge his father's death, even when an opportunity presents itself, leading to further delays.

Lastly, Hamlet's over-analytical nature is discussed as a significant tragic flaw. While analyzing situations can be intelligent and cautious, Hamlet's excessive scrutiny leads to excuses for procrastination. His dissatisfaction with his own hesitation eventually traps him in a sequence of events that culminate in his demise.

Hook examples for "hamlet" essay, "hamlet" essay example.

A Shakespearean Tragedy: Enter the world of William Shakespeare's "Hamlet," where ambition, revenge, and tragedy intertwine. Join me as we unravel the intricacies of Hamlet's character and the tragic flaws that lead to his ultimate downfall.
An Intriguing Quote: Shakespeare wrote, "This above all: to thine own self be true." Let's explore how Hamlet's inability to heed this advice and his internal conflicts pave the path to his tragic end.
A Character Analysis: Delve into the depths of Hamlet's psyche as we dissect his procrastination, indecision, and obsession with revenge. Together, we'll uncover how these flaws contribute to his tragic fate.
A Closer Look at Relationships: Hamlet's interactions with Ophelia, Claudius, and Gertrude are central to the play's unfolding tragedy. Join me in examining how his flawed relationships and trust issues play a pivotal role in his downfall.
A Timeless Tragedy: Hamlet's story transcends centuries and cultures. Explore with me why this Shakespearean character continues to captivate audiences and how his tragic flaws serve as cautionary elements in our own lives.

Works Cited

Bloom, H. (1981). Hamlet: Poem Unlimited. Chelsea House Publishers.
De Grazia, M. (2007). Hamlet without Hamlet. Cambridge University Press.
Gristwood, S. (2010). Death and the Virgin: Elizabeth, Dudley and the Mysterious Fate of Amy Robsart. HarperPress.
Harbage, A. (1947). As They Liked It: An Essay on Shakespeare and Morality. University of Illinois Press.
Honigmann, E. A. J. (1985). Shakespeare: The ‘Lost Years’. Manchester University Press.
Jones, E. (1949). Hamlet and Oedipus. Random House.
Kastan, D. S. (1999). Shakespeare After Theory. Routledge.
Kiernan, P. (2008). Filthy Shakespeare: Shakespeare’s Most Outrageous Sexual Puns. Michael O’Mara Books.
Knight, G. W. (2001). The Wheel of Fire: Interpretation of Shakespeare's Tragedy. Routledge.
Richmond, H. M. (2001). Shakespeare's Sexual Language: A Glossary. Athlone Press.

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Hamlet's Tragic Flaws as The Causes of His Downfall Essay

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Guidelines for Writing A Great Hamlet Analysis Essay

To enhance the independent work of students and the development of public speaking skills, many teachers resort to such a form of knowledge control as an essay. This type of activity can be attributed to small written works. The essay in its volume is significantly inferior to the thesis since it is usually related to a specific subject under study and includes an analysis of a limited number of concepts considered during training.

Writing a literary essay is usually based on an analysis of a literary text. Sometimes it’s difficult for students to complete this assignment, but at any time they can contact professionals, such as WriteMyPaper4Me , and get a stellar paper! However, it is very important to learn to overcome such difficulties and to complete an essay without any help. Below we will give you recommendations for writing a great Hamlet analysis essay.

5 Key Writing Tips

As it is known, Hamlet has long been recognized by society as the great eternal image of world literature. The play “Hamlet” became not only the closest story for the reader, literary and theatrical critics, actors and directors, but acquired the significance of a text-generating work of art. The eternal image of the doubting Hamlet inspired a whole string of writers who, one way or another, used his character traits in their literary works.

In order to conduct a good literary analysis of the protagonist and the novel as a whole, and as a result, write an excellent essay, the author should take into account the following recommendations:

Define the structure of your paper. As a rule, an essay consists of three main structural elements: introduction, main part, and conclusion;
In the introduction a narrator should point the topic, highlight the main issues that need to be considered;
In the main part, it is advisable to represent a system of argumentation based on a deep study of the play. You should put forward new different ideas in a logical sequence, which will enable the reader to trace the direction of your answer. For the convenience of presentation and clarity of the logic of each argument, evidence, and statement, the main content is divided into paragraphs or sections that may have independent subheadings;
The conclusion is the last basic element of an essay. The writer usually represents here a summary of basic ideas;
When checking the work, it is necessary first of all to pay attention to whether the ideas are arranged in a logical order. Usually, each paragraph of the main text should contain no more than one idea in question. In addition, it is important to check each sentence of the work for errors, as a good knowledge of the language should be demonstrated in the essay.

We hope our tips will help you to write a Hamlet analysis essay at the highest level!

Combine all five tips to write the perfect Hamlet analysis essay.

140 Hamlet Essay Topics

One of Shakespeare’s most iconic plays is Hamlet. Set in Denmark, it tells the story of Hamlet, a young prince who becomes aware of his father’s death and seeks revenge against his mother Gertrude by killing her new husband, Claudius.

The play is a thrilling roller coaster ride of emotions, with themes such as lust, love, betrayal, and revenge present throughout the story.

Hamlet Essay Writing

Usually first studied in high school literature classes, Hamlet’s many themes have been the subject of many essay writing assignments. Whether it’s an argumentative, persuasive, or analytical essay, the trick to writing about Hamlet lies in the following steps.

Understand the Reading

The key to writing about Hamlet is understanding it. Shakespeare wrote in a much different way from modern literature, so it takes time for many to understand the writing or where the author is going.

To better understand the play, it may be necessary to read it multiple times. It can help to mark specific sections with a color-coded or annotation system. If you color code the reading, use different colored highlighters designated to a particular theme, symbol, character, or event to mark several passages. If annotating, use a pencil or pen to underline, circle, or write notes in the margins of important passages.

By marking the reading as you go through it, you develop a better idea of how each symbol relates to the others and the overall story.

Choose a Topic

Once you have read through the play and made notes detailing the significant themes, symbols, and characters, it is time to choose a topic. There are many different ways to approach the essay, depending on what you feel will make for the best argument or story.

Pick a topic that interests you and can be backed by the number of examples you have highlighted or noted while reading the play. If you are having trouble choosing a topic for a Hamlet essay, consider using any of the 140 Hamlet essay topics at the bottom of this article.

Create a Strong Thesis Statement

Once you have chosen a topic, it is time to create your thesis statement. A thesis statement on Hamlet should include the topic your essay will focus on, as well as an argument that your textual evidence can support. For example:

“The role of women in Hamlet is significant to understanding the meaning behind revenge.”

“Hamlet’s lust for Gertrude affects his ability to carry out his plan for revenge.”

“It can be argued that Hamlet is trapped in a cycle of revenge and cannot escape until the ghost gives him permission to do so.”

These thesis statements clearly state what your essay will focus on and can be backed up with examples from the play.

Hamlet Essay Structure

Once you have the key steps above completed, it’s time to start drafting your Hamlet essay.

Introduction

Start with a compelling hook that draws the reader in. For example, compelling opening sentences for Hamlet essays could be something like:

“In a time when women were expected to be silent…”

“Hamlet’s lust for his mother…”

“In a world where revenge…”

After the hook, you’ll want to include pertinent background information to help the reader understand your essay. For example, if you are writing about the role of women in Hamlet, begin with a brief summary of King Hamlet’s death and how it affected his family before getting into specific examples from the play that show the role of women.

Finish your introduction with a strong thesis statement that lays out the essay’s overall argument.

The body paragraphs should go logically from the least crucial point to the most vital, usually with one to three examples per paragraph. Use quotations from the play where possible, and remember to include any subtleties that tie back into your thesis statement.

Pro Tip: When quoting lines from Hamlet, be sure to reference them in the correct format. Depending on the style, this may require using parenthetical notation to reference the act, line, and scene, written as (1.2.41)

Your conclusion should summarize what you have said during your essay and tie up any loose ends that were left.

For example, if your essay began with a summary of King Hamlet’s death and how it affected his family, be sure to end the essay by reiterating how that loss impacted Hamlet’s life.

This is also where you can bring up any implications or possible future developments based on what has happened in the play to tie it back into the overall argument.

Pro Tip: Remember that a well-written essay will include fewer examples and more textual evidence instead of a long list of facts without any supporting quotes from the play. Include as much detail as possible about each example or instance you bring up in your essay to strengthen your argument and show your reader how each point is relevant to the topic.

Choosing the right topic for your Hamlet essay can be challenging. Fortunately, this list of 140 Hamlet essay topics is perfect for students writing about the famous play.

Hamlet Essay Topics About Tragedy

Discuss the tragedy of Hamlet and how it affects his life
Analyze how tragedy is represented through literary devices throughout Hamlet
Compare and contrast Hamlet’s various tragedies in terms of literary devices
Discuss how Hamlet’s tragedies are reflected through the characters in the play
Analyze the effect of death on both Hamlet and his family/friends
Compare/contrast Queen Gertrude’s tragedies to Lady Macbeth’s
Analyze how death functions as a literary device throughout Hamlet
Discuss whether or not Hamlet is truly a tragic hero
Compare and contrast the portrayal of tragedy in Hamlet and Romeo & Juliet
Discuss how Hamlet’s tragedies could have been avoided
Would it still be considered a tragedy if Hamlet happened in modern times?
Reflect on the theme of tragedy as it pertains to Hamlet
Which character in Hamlet experiences the worst tragedy, why?
How does the theme of tragedy compare with the other themes in Hamlet?
When does the tragedy of Hamlet become noticeable as the play progresses?
Why is Hamlet considered a tragedy?
Do you think that Hamlet is one of Shakespeare’s best or worst tragedies?
How could the tragedy have been avoided in Hamlet?
Would better communication between the characters have prevented the tragedy in Hamlet?
Who is more of a tragic hero, Hamlet or Othello? Why?

Hamlet Essay Topics About Revenge

Discuss why Hamlet’s plan to seek revenge is an internal conflict
Analyze how Hamlet deals with his desire for revenge after learning of his father’s death
Compare and contrast Claudius’ and Macbeth’s quests for power that leads them to take a life
Analyze whether or not Hamlet’s motivations can be justified as revenge
Discuss the role of revenge and vengeance in Shakespeare tragedies (e.g., Othello, Macbeth, Romeo & Juliet)
Analyze how revenge is portrayed in Hamlet
Compare and contrast taking revenge on Claudius to Ulysses’s quest for revenge in The Odyssey
Discuss the concept of suspicious minds throughout Hamlet
Identify examples of extreme suspicion in Hamlet
Discuss the literary devices used to express suspicion in Hamlet
Analyze the impact of suspicious minds on Hamlet and his family/friends
Analyze the role of urgency in Hamlet: Is it a necessary part of revenge?
Is revenge justified in Hamlet? Discuss your answer.
Hamlet is often considered an anti-hero. Why do you think that is?
How would the story have been different if Hamlet had taken revenge sooner?
What does Shakespeare achieve through his portrayal of revenge in Hamlet?
Which character in Hamlet gets the most out of their revenge?
Is revenge ever warranted in any situation? Discuss why or why not.
How would modern-day society view Hamlet’s revenge plot?
Compare and contrast the themes of revenge in Hamlet with a modern-day literary work

Hamlet Essay Topics About Women in Hamlet

Analyze how women are portrayed in Shakespeare’s Hamlet
Compare and contrast Lady Macbeth and Gertrude in terms of their relationships with the men in their lives
Discuss the role of gender politics throughout Hamlet
Analyze how Gertrude is treated by her husband, son, and the other characters in the play
Analyze Gertrude’s role as Queen of Denmark
Analyze how Shakespeare uses women to convey the political atmosphere of Denmark during this period
What is the significance of the women in Hamlet?
How do male-female relationships function throughout Hamlet?
Compare and contrast the portrayal of women in Shakespeare’s Othello with that of Hamlet
If Hamlet was written today, how would the female characters be portrayed?
Was there any significance behind Claudius’ betrothal to Gertrude?
Discuss the importance of Ophelia’s death in Hamlet
How do women convey the theme of revenge throughout Hamlet?
Did Gertrude love Claudius, or was she forced into marriage with him?
Is any female character redeemed in Hamlet?
How does gender function as a theme in Hamlet?
Would a female director’s vision of the play be drastically different from a male director’s?
Discuss whether or not women stand up for themselves throughout Hamlet.
Analyze why Gertrude commits suicide at the end of Hamlet
How do women convey madness, desire, and revenge themes in Hamlet?
Do you think that Shakespeare was critical or supportive of women throughout his works?
Is Gertrude just as guilty for Hamlet’s death as Claudius is?
Analyze whether or not Shakespeare has a feminist or misogynistic view of women in Hamlet.

Hamlet Essay Topics About Grief

Analyze the role of grief in Hamlet
Discuss the various ways that characters deal with grief throughout Hamlet
Analyze Laertes’ main motivation for seeking revenge on Claudius
Compare and contrast how different characters are affected by grief in Hamlet
Analyze whether or not Laertes is a reliable source of information in the play
Analyze whether or not Hamlet is actually living up to his name throughout the play
What does Shakespeare mean when he says that “the readiness is all”?
How are the characters’ feelings about death conveyed in Hamlet?
How does grief influence the actions of various characters in Hamlet?
Which theme is more prevalent in Hamlet – grief or madness?
What is the significance of Ophelia’s death in Hamlet?
Would modern-day society view grief as a valid motivation for revenge?

Hamlet Essay Topics About Madness

Analyze the various ways that insanity is manifested in Hamlet
Discuss how Shakespeare uses madness to convey themes of grief and revenge in Hamlet
Compare and contrast Hamlet’s riddling with The Tempest’s concept of magic
What is the significance of the “ghost” scene in Act 1, Scene 4?
Is Hamlet genuinely insane?
Does Ophelia go mad, or does she purposefully act that way?
Does Claudius’ desire for power drive him into insanity?
Analyze whether or not all of the characters in Hamlet are truly insane.
How does insanity function as a theme throughout Shakespeare’s play?
What is the significance of Laertes’ recovery from his madness, and how does it affect the plotline?
Compare and contrast Gertrude’s sanity at the beginning of the play with her sanity at the end.
How does insanity manifest itself throughout Hamlet?
Which literary devices are the most essential for depicting the scope of madness experienced by characters in Hamlet?

Hamlet Essay Topics About Power & Corruption

Analyze the role of power dynamics within families in Hamlet
Discuss Claudius’ motivations for murdering his brother and marrying Gertrude
Analyze the significance of the name “Hamlet” throughout Shakespeare’s play.
Compare and contrast how different characters respond to their loss of power or status in the play.
Discuss the theme of corruption throughout the play.
Does power corrupt Claudius?
Are there any characters in the play that do not experience some form of loss of power, status, or nobility?
Compare and contrast Rosencrantz and Guildenstern with Laertes
How would the pursuit of power in Hamlet be viewed in modern times?
Is there a specific character that is corrupted or corrupting throughout Hamlet?
Discuss whether the theme of corruption exists more prominently in The Lord of the Flies or Hamlet.
What does Shakespeare mean when he says, “one may smile, and smile, and be a villain”?
Was one character’s quest for power the only thing going on in the play?
How do the themes of corruption and power in Hamlet mimic modern-day events?
What are the most significant changes throughout Hamlet in terms of power dynamics?
Which characters are corrupted by their pursuit of power, and which are not?
How does Shakespeare convey the theme of corruption through literary devices?
How does Shakespeare critique corruption and power in Hamlet?
Are there any characters that display no form of corruption after experiencing significant events in the play?

Hamlet Essay Topics About Jealousy

Analyze how the theme of jealousy plays out throughout Hamlet
Which characters in Hamlet express feelings of jealousy and why?
Compare and contrast Hamlet’s relationship with Ophelia to that of Laertes’ relationship with Ophelia.
How does Shakespeare use jealousy as a literary device?
Do you think Gertrude is justified in her feelings towards Ophelia?
Does Laertes’ understanding of his sister’s relationship with Hamlet influence his decision to fight in the duel?
What motivations do Hamlet and Laertes have in fighting in a duel with one another?
Compare and contrast Claudius’ feelings of envy when he hears of Fortinbras’ men passing by with the jealousy Laertes experiences towards Hamlet.
Does the theme of jealousy exist throughout the play?
How does Shakespeare portray the characters that experience feelings of jealousy in Hamlet?
Which character’s jealousy is most detrimental to their relationships with others?
What impact do Gertrude’s feelings for Claudius have on the play?
How does Shakespeare subtly convey feelings of jealousy through his use of language and literary devices?

Hamlet Essay Topics About Friendship

How do Ophelia’s feelings of loss influence her decisions to act in certain ways throughout the play?
What is the significance of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern betraying Hamlet?
Analyze whether or not Gertrude’s friendship with Claudius contributes to her betrayal of Hamlet.
How do the relationships between characters in Hamlet evolve throughout the play?
How does Shakespeare portray friendships in Hamlet?
Which character displays the most loyalty to another, and why?
What is the significance of Ophelia’s relationship with her father, Polonius?
What do you think Shakespeare thought about friendship based on Hamlet?
What is the importance of Hamlet’s relationship with Horatio?
How does Shakespeare portray friendships in his use of language and literary devices?
How would you define friendship based on your analysis of Hamlet?
Is it possible for someone who betrays another person to be considered a friend?

Hamlet Essay Topics About Morality

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern do not experience as much change as the primary characters of the play from good to evil.
In what ways has Claudius changed since he came to power?
How would someone who has killed a person be viewed in modern society?
Compare and contrast Laertes’ actions with those of Hamlet’s.
Does Shakespeare explore immorality or morality in Hamlet?
Do you think Claudius can be saved from damnation in the eyes of God?
What impact do recent events in the play have on Hamlet’s decision to avenge his father’s death?
How does Shakespeare portray morality in his use of language and literary devices?

160 Rhetorical Essay Topics
200 Research Essay Topics
50 I Believe Essay Topics
120 College Essay Topics
130 Proposal Essay Topics

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Hamlet - Essay Examples And Topic Ideas For Free

Hamlet, one of William Shakespeare’s most celebrated tragedies, delves into themes of madness, revenge, mortality, and existential despair. Essays could delve into the complex character of Hamlet, his internal struggles, and the philosophical dialogues that pervade the play. They might also explore the political intrigue, the family dynamics, and the elements of tragedy and supernatural in the narrative. Discussions could extend to the play’s enduring appeal, the various interpretations and adaptations over centuries, and its influence on later literature and drama. The discourse may also touch on the larger social and psychological themes explored in “Hamlet” and how they resonate with contemporary audiences. A substantial compilation of free essay instances related to Hamlet you can find at Papersowl. You can use our samples for inspiration to write your own essay, research paper, or just to explore a new topic for yourself.

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In the play, Hamlet, by William Shakespeare, the author uses various literary devices to convey many themes and sentiments to the reader, via his characters’ actions. The play’s focal character - Hamlet - is one that transforms throughout the play quite drastically, yet it can be argued that it was all part of a greater plan. As Hamlet returns to the castle to hear news that his father is dead, it brings a grand amount of grief and sadness to […]

Shakespeare’s Madness Within Hamlet and King Lear

How do you know if a person has gone mad? How do you know if a person is telling the truth? What about intention? Nowadays, we have psychologists, therapists and all kinds of doctors that help to diagnose mental illness. We are now aware of the different types of “craziness” that a person can be. What about hundreds of years ago? Just like today, some people were truly madmen, but of course, anyone has the ability to pretend to be […]

Shakespeare’s Characterization of Hamlet

In the revenge tragedy, Hamlet, Shakespeare characterizes Hamlet as a man with a heightened power of observation, while exploring the unique ways in which his keen eye can interpret the events that occur throughout the play. Hamlet is not an abstract thinker, but he is merely gifted with a greater sense of reality due to his ability to observe and articulate his thoughts and observances. Hamlet's ability to penetrate to the very core of things through his greater power of […]

How does Claudius Manipulate Laertes: Manipulative Machinations

Introduction Maggie MillsBeckerLiterature and composition12 March 2018 "Quintessence of dust" The weight of one's mortality and the complexities of life lead people to question and ponder what their fate will be in the afterlife. In William Shakespeare's play Hamlet, Hamlet questions the meaning of life and grapples to accept his own existence. The motif of death and decay develops throughout the play, starting figuratively and evolving into a more literal interpretation, leading to the conclusion that death is the great […]

Elements of Comedy in the Play Hamlet

Hamlet is one of Shakespeare's' most famous plays, for it revolves around external and internal conflicts or struggles within the main character, Hamlet, which makes it unique from a typical revenge story. Although the genre of the play is a tragedy it contains various elements of comedy throughout the darkest moments of the play. At the start of the play guardsmen at the royal palace have seen a ghost which seems to be former King Hamlet, and convinces noblemen Horatio […]

About Feminism in Hamlet

Ophelia agrees to take Laertes’s advice. She agrees to take his advice because she knows nothing else than to listen a man. She is dependent on men and continues to do whatever they tell her. She saids “this is a good lesson keep, As a watchman to my heart.” (1.3.51) She sees it as he is looking out for her, which he is but it reality he is demanding her to stay away from Hamlet to keep her purity. Laertes […]

The Tragic Flaw of Hamlet

Archetypes are characters, situations, and symbols that can transcend different cultures. Undoubtedly, The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, one of the most influential works written by William Shakespeare”, is a classic dramatic story filled with deceit, trickery, self-doubt, revenge, and death” (J., Clayton.) In this piece, Shakespeare masterfully employs Jung’s archetypes to give personality traits to his characters, such as the hero and the outcast for Prince Hamlet, the villain and the ambitious for Claudius, and the battle between […]

Hamlet’s Insanity the Masterpiece to Great Shakespearean Entertainment

Mental or psychological influence in any literary work can heighten and alter the mood and tone. Some literary works can alter the course of the storyline as is done in Shakespeare's The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark. Hamlet's mental state, along with major character influence, has the ability to allow a wide range of unexpected plot twists and a touch of suspense. In Shakespeare's play, Hamlet's revenge demonstrates the extent of one's mental capacity can be found amusing and […]

The Idea of Displacement in Maya Angelou’s Work

Maya Angelou- I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings One of the major ideas we discussed around this book was the idea of displacement. In this passage, Maya and her peers are listening to a white man speak to their class. In this scenario, Maya is feeling displaced in a place where she normally feels at home. When the white man comes into the school, he speaks to them in a condescending way, talking down to not only the students […]

King Claudius and Hamlet

Hamlet is the Prince of Denmark, the son of Queen Gertrude and late King Hamlet and nephew of King Claudius. In the story Hamlet many people are stuck between if he is actually insane or if he is faking his insanity. Some people really do believe he is and some people believe he is absolutely not. The story is very dramatic and a lot goes on. Hamlet has had to deal with a lot throughout the play. The main problems […]

Hamlet Extract Analysis

Jake Bourdages Michael Krause AP Literature November 26th, 2018 Hamlet Extract Analysis Introduction: It is the very beginning of the play at act 1, scene 2, and Claudius, with Gertrude by his side, has just been crowned the new king of Denmark. Claudius's first action as the king is to give his inaugural speech, in which he tells the kingdom that rather than mourning the old king everyone should be celebrating the new marriage between himself and Gertrude. After his […]

Oedipus Vs Hamlet

In Oedipus Rex by Sophocles, when Thebes is struck with the aid of a plague, the human beings ask King Oedipus to supply them from its horrors. Creon, the brother of Jocasta, Oedipus's queen, returns from the oracle of Apollo and discloses that the plague is punishment for the homicide of King Laius, Oedipus's instant predecessor, to whom Jocasta was once married. Creon further discloses that the residents of Thebes need to find out and punish the murderer before the […]


Originally published :	1603
Setting :	Denmark
Playwright :	William Shakespeare
Genre :	Shakespearean tragedy
Original language :	Early Modern English
Characters :	Ophelia, Claudius, Polonius, Hamlet, Laertes, Horatio

How To Write an Essay About Hamlet

Introduction to shakespeare's hamlet.

William Shakespeare's "Hamlet" is a timeless work of literature that delves into themes of revenge, tragedy, morality, and the human condition. In the introduction of your essay, briefly summarize the plot of "Hamlet," focusing on the young Prince of Denmark who is the play's central character. Outline the key themes you intend to explore, such as the complexity of action, the mystery of death, and the struggle with moral corruption. This initial section should offer a concise overview of the play’s background and set the stage for a deeper analytical exploration of its characters, themes, and Shakespeare's use of language.

Exploring Themes and Characterization

The body of your essay should focus on a detailed analysis of the major themes in "Hamlet." Examine the theme of revenge and its implications on the characters’ actions and the play’s outcome. Discuss the existential questions raised by Hamlet’s famous soliloquy, "To be, or not to be," and how these reflect his internal conflict. Furthermore, analyze the play’s exploration of madness, both feigned and real, particularly in the characters of Hamlet and Ophelia. In addition to thematic analysis, delve into character studies. Examine Hamlet’s complex personality, his relationship with other characters like Claudius, Gertrude, and Ophelia, and how these relationships drive the plot forward. Use specific examples and quotations from the text to support your analysis, ensuring each paragraph delves into different aspects of Shakespeare’s work.

Shakespeare's Language and Dramatic Techniques

An essay on "Hamlet" should also pay attention to Shakespeare's use of language and dramatic techniques. Discuss the play's structure, its use of soliloquies, and the significance of its metaphors and imagery. Examine how these elements contribute to the play's thematic depth and emotional impact. This analysis can include how Shakespeare builds tension and conveys themes through dialogue, setting, and symbolism. By focusing on these elements, you can provide insight into Shakespeare’s craftsmanship and the ways in which "Hamlet" operates both as a piece of literature and a theatrical performance.

Concluding Thoughts on Hamlet

Conclude your essay by summarizing the key points of your analysis, tying them back to your initial thesis about the play’s themes and significance. Reflect on the enduring relevance of "Hamlet" in modern times, considering why it continues to be a vital part of literary and theatrical discourse. You might also explore the play's influence on later literature and culture. A strong conclusion will not only provide closure to your essay but also extend its relevance, encouraging readers to continue contemplating the complexities of Shakespeare’s masterpiece.

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Hamlet William Shakespeare

Hamlet essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of Hamlet by William Shakespeare.

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Hamlet Essays

Appearance vs reality in hamlet anonymous 12th grade.

There is often an indistinctive discrepancy between actuality and what tends to be an illusion of actuality. This concept of deception is often captured by many authors, who establish characters and implement facades that hide their true...

Through Rose Colored Glasses: How the Victorian Age Shifted the Focus of Hamlet Rebecca Rendell

19th century critic William Hazlitt praised Hamlet by saying that, "The whole play is an exact transcript of what might be supposed to have taken pace at the court of Denmark, at the remote period of the time fixed upon." (Hazlitt 164-169) Though...

Q to F7: Mate; Hamlet's Emotions, Actions, and Importance in the Nunnery Scene Rebecca Rendell

"Like sweet bells jangled, out of time and harsh" Hamlet's trust is betrayed by the people who are dearest to his heart (III.i.87). The theme of betrayal takes root before the Shakespeare's tragedy begins, when Hamlet's uncle murders his father...

Before the Storm Rebecca Rendell

When Hamlet sees Fortinbras' army headed for combat in Poland he is moved to deliver a striking monologue about the battle raging in his soul. Passion and anger drive Hamlet to avenge his father's murder at any cost, while logic and reason turn...

Haunted: Hamlet's Relationship With His Dead Father Tommy Stevenson

William Shakespeare's Hamlet, a story grounded in worldly issues like morality, justice, and retribution, begins in a very otherworldly way: the appearance of a ghost desiring vengeance from beyond the grave. The supernatural confrontation between...

Heliocentric Hamlet: The Astronomy of Hamlet Theoderek Wayne

If imagination is the lifeblood of literature, then each new scientific advance which extends our scope of the universe is as fruitful to the poet as to the astronomer. External and environmental change stimulates internal and personal tropes for...

Paralytic Prince: Hamlet's "Thought" Complex Theoderek Wayne

"If Hamlet from himself be ta'en away,

And when he's not himself does wrong Laertes,

Then Hamlet does it not, Hamlet denies it.

Who does it then? His madness. If't be so,

Hamlet is of the faction that is wrong'd;

His madness is poor Hamlet's enemy."

"I Have Seen Nothing": Hamlet and His Home Eddie Borey

Hamlet begins at the open mouth of the Void. Barnardo and Francisco call out to each other and into darkness; they stand atop a guard platform that is naked to the open air and to the night. Every character's entrance is marked by a series of...

The Corruption in Hamlet Allison Masters

Central to the plot and the themes developed in Shakespeare's Hamlet, are the varying elements of corruption which occur during the play. This is echoed in Marcellus' famous comment of 'Something is rotten in the state of Denmark,' when Hamlet is...

Hamlet's Obsession With Death Marie Moulin

In the play Hamlet by William Shakespeare, the author presents the main character of Hamlet as a man who is obsessed with death. Shakespeare uses this obsession to explore both Hamlet's desire for revenge and his need for certainty. In the...

Hamlet's Frustration with Himself: "A Rogue And Peasant Slave" David Sauvage

In order to understand Hamlet, we must understand his frustration. This frustration is most clear in his famous monologue, famously beginning with the line "Oh what a rogue and peasant slave am I."

This self-condemnation is contrasted by his...

"Pray God Restore Him": The Importance of the Origin of the First Quarto of Hamlet David Sauvage

Ofel: Alas, what a change is this?

Ham: But if thou wilt needes marry, marry a foole,

For wisemen know well enough,

What monsters you make of them, to a Nunnery goe.

Ofel: Pray God restore him.

Ham: Nay, I have heard of your painting too,

God hath giuen...

Hamlet's Problematic "Celestial Bed" David Sauvage

To understand Hamlet's insecurities, we must understand Ophelia's point of view. It is she who makes him most uncomfortable over the course of the play, and it is her rejection of him that drives Hamlet closer to insanity. Her reasons for this...

"He's Depressed": The Implications of Hamlet, II.ii.278-292 Alex Hoffer

In his famous speech, "I have of late, but wherefore I know not, lost all my mirth[...]" (II.ii.280), Hamlet illustrates an Elizabethan fusion of medieval and humanist ideas, perhaps lost on Rosencrantz and Guildenstern but not on E.M.W. Tillyard....

A Play of Espionage and War Joshua V. Rohe

"It is not the object of war to annihilate those who have given provocation for it, but to cause them to mend their ways; not to ruin the innocent and guilty alike, but to save both" (Polybius). From the start of man's political awareness, war has...

In Violence, the Rest is Silence Sara Liss

Location is everything. The setting of Shakespeare's Hamlet, the royal court, functions as more than the backdrop to the drama. On the contrary, embedded within the play is the implicit significance of its environment. Court society, with its...

The Interpretive Effects of an Affecting Interpretation Sara Liss

"For there is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so" (2.2, 249-250)

From the start of Shakespeare's Hamlet it is clear that much of the action is cerebral. The play never escapes the confines of Hamlet's head. One is never sure if...

Hamlet's Conflict Between Play and Reality Chris Mays

In Shakespeare's Hamlet, Polonius puts forth a simple explanation of insanity, stating that "to define true madness, what is it to be nothing else but mad?" Such a diagnosis is necessary in the court of Denmark, in which the perspective of reality...

Cultural Identity In Hamlet Matt Zajic

In William Shakespeare's play Hamlet, the concept of cultural identity is explored through Hamlet's isolation which is created by the conflict between his duty to his father, and his duties to the monarchy and society. Hamlet is isolated from his...

Thought as Inaction in William Shakespeare's Hamlet Megan DiGregorio

"Understanding kills action." With these three simple words, Nietzsche explains the idea behind Shakespeare's development of the acting of thought as inaction, and also the reason that Hamlet hesitates for over 3000 lines of blank verse and prose...

The Dishonest Ghost in "Hamlet" Marilyn Fu

Shakespeare has always been able to create characters richly dichotomous in nature. In "Hamlet, Prince of Denmark," the portrayal of the ghost of Hamlet's father vacillates through the play from Hamlet's uncertainty of whether "it is an honest...

The Foils of Hamlet David McDevitt

Literary techniques evoke images, emotion and in the case of Shakespeare's "Hamlet" teach a lesson. The dominant literary technique ongoing throughout "Hamlet" is the presence of foils. A foil is a character who, through strong contrast and...

How All Deletions Do Inform Against Me: A Look at Hamlet's Psychological Transformation in His Final Soliloquy Jessica Hindman

Though the identity of the "editor" responsible for deleting Hamlet's final soliloquy from the 1623 Folio edition of Hamlet may be lost to history, the possible reasons for his omission of the Quarto's fifty-eight lines are as relevant and...

The Inseparability of Acting and Ruling: An Analysis of Hamlet and The First Part of Henry the Fourth Tyler Merritt

Within Hamlet and 1 Henry the Fourth are examples of Shakespeare including the trade of acting within the text as a central theme. Hamlet certainly shows us his skill as an actor throughout the play, but there is a more blatant preference to...

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Hamlet Essay

It can be argued that Hamlet, is one of the greatest tragedy pieces written by William Shakespeare throughout his life. The play provides conflict between a variety of personalities all in the pursuit of power or their own interruption of moral justice. It encompasses the themes of deception, manipulation, and malevolence to create the “perfect storm” of exploitation, chaos, and perhaps insanity.

One of the most puzzling elements though of this play is the personality of the protagonist, Hamlet, son of old king Hamlet and rightful heir to the throne. Although he receives supernatural assurance that Claudius secretly murdered his father, and witnesses with the questionable hasty re-marriage of his mother to his uncle, Hamlet remains incapable to take any physical revenge on the behalf of his father.

His own doubts about the ghost, uncertainties of his own ambitions, and his overanalyzing of the world around him are three of the many dissensions which keep him indecisive thus prolong his revenge and resulting in his ultimate dismay.

During the first act of the play, Hamlet’s friends encounter the spirit of Old King Hamlet roaming about the outer ramparts of the castle. Seeing the spirit as a bad omen they quickly report the appearance to his very distraught son, Hamlet.

The spirit explains to him that he had been murdered by his deceitful younger brother, Claudius and that Hamlet must take revenge on the spirit’s behalf. This incident initiates Hamlet’s investigation into his father’s murder; however, it is his doubt in the cause of this apparition that keeps him indecisive and prevents him from taking his revenge.

First, Hamlet almost immediately questions the authenticity of his father’s spirit after its disappearance. “ The spirit that I have seen maybe the devil and the devil hath the power to assume a pleasing shame; yet, and perhaps out of my weakness and my melancholy, as he is very potent with such spirits, abuses me to damn me.” (II, ii, 596- 601).

Hamlet grows unsure if the ghost’s story holds any authentication as he plunges deeper and deeper into his own melancholy; Hamlet wonders if this is the work of the devil praying on his weak state of mind. This uncertainty prompts Hamlet to test his Uncle Claudius’ conscience because of his own lack of faith in the ghost and himself; which only prolongs this revenge.

Second, because Hamlet is so doubtful about the story told to him by the ghost, he must test his Uncle’s reaction first. “Observe mine uncle, if his acute guilt. Do not itself unkennel in one speech. It is a damned ghost we have seen. And my imagination is on foul as Vulcan’s stithy.” (III, ii, 80- 84 Shakespeare).

This uncertainty in the ghost results in Hamlet prolonging his revenge on Claudius in an attempt to confirm the ghost’s story. This course of action leads to him being called upon by his mother, accidentally murdering Polonius, and then being poisoned by Laertes. Without this additional prerequisite to begin his revenge, Hamlet could have potentially avoided the resulting confrontations and his death.

Third, Hamlet’s trust in the story is only confirmed by seeing his Uncle’s reaction to the play. “O good Horatio, I’ll take the ghost’s word for a thousand pound..” (III, ii, 281- 282). Without Claudius’ reaction to the play Hamlet would probably remain in limbo about his own thoughts and the ghost and may never take revenge.

The play is the confirmation for Hamlet’s revenge scheme and its lengthy process was necessary to convince Hamlet of the ghost’s story; Nevertheless Hamlet’s continual indecisive behavior after the play gave Claudius amply time to plot Hamlet’s murder. However, an even greater conflict within Hamlet to prorogue his revenge and keep him unsure is his own doubts of what he really desires in terms of kingship and life in general.

After the loss of old King Hamlet, the people of Denmark are asked to choose between Hamlet or Claudius to rule in place of their lost king. The people choose Claudius to rule over them, who will be succeeded by a much older and perhaps wiser Hamlet. Knowing Claudius killed the old king, Hamlet understands he is the rightful king of Denmark; however Hamlet is unresolved about his desires for that position and makes him hesitant to take any action.

First, Hamlet confesses to Ophelia of traits that he is reprehensible of, one of which is ambitious. “I am myself indifferent honest; but yet I could accuse me of such things that it was better my mother had not borne me: I am very proud, revengeful, ambitious…”(III, ii, 132- 135). This personality presented by Hamlet provides a contradiction to his behavior. He wishes to remove Claudius from the thrown however states he would rather not be ambitious, about can be assumed, his right to be king.

At this moment it seems that Hamlet is unwilling to be king, which will keep him indecisive and hinder his revenge. Second, Hamlet does however reveal to Rosencrantz he is “distempered” because he “lacks advancement”. “Good my lord, what is your cause of distemper? You do, surely, bar the door upon your own liberty, if you deny your griefs to your friend……….. Sir, I lack advancement.”

Contrary to what he previously states during his conversation with Ophelia, Hamlet now reveals his desire to “advance”. This change in ambition could be seen as the possibility for his revenge to finally transpire, however, Hamlet may not be referring to his succession as king but his plans for his revenge; consequently not knowing if he desires both delays Hamlet from taking his revenge.

Finally, Hamlet tells Horatio of his desire to be king, and the disappointment of being denied this right. “Does it not, think’st thee, stand me now upon– He that hath kill’d my king and whored my mother, Popp’d in between the election and my hopes, Thrown out his angle for my proper life…” (V, I, 69- 72).

This final explanation by Hamlet reveals that he does have the intention to become king and therefore the expectation can be made that he will take his reveal shortly, which he prompted does in the next scene. However, by the time he finally discovers this truth about his ambitions, it is already too late and his murder has already been planned. Furthermore, all of this could have been avoided if Hamlet did not put so much thought into his revenge and just acted upon his feelings.

Throughout the play, Hamlet is constantly overanalyzing the world around him. Every action that he takes, Hamlet tediously examines all the potential outcomes and reasoning behind it. This overthinking of the world around him is a reason for his indecisiveness and consequently his downfall.

First, Hamlet argues to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern about the philosophy of what is “good” and “bad”. “Why, then, ’tis none to you; for there is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so: to me it is a prison.” (II, ii, 260- 262). This point made by Hamlet only illustrates how critically he thinks of the world around him.

His insight of the objectiveness of all behavior, made only subjective through perspective displays he is character of deep thought who must analyze a problem from all angles before processing often resulting in him being indecisive on an issue. Second, Hamlet reveals in his soliloquy, his justification of why humans, and himself, fear death and anything related to it.

“Thus conscience does make cowards of us all; and thus the native hue of resolution is sicklied o’er with the pale cast of thought, and enterprises of great pith and moment with this regard their currents turn awry, and lose the name of action” (III, I, 91- 95). This over analyzing of death of what makes Hamlet question his right to kill another human and the fear that all humans have toward death.

This scrutinizing of his own plan, only makes Hamlet doubt himself and prolong his revenge even more. It also illustrates that Hamlet does fear killing another and inaction on his behalf is this awareness of his fear. Finally, Hamlet debates to himself what the reasoning behind his inaction on his father’s behalf.

Now whether it be b*stial oblivion, or some craven scruple of thinking too precisely on th’ event…” (VI, vi, 39- 46). This is a realization on Hamlet’s behalf that the cause of his inaction is indeed his overanalyzing of all his behavior just to establish his own excess thought and deliberations. The examination of so many situations of his life causes Hamlet to yet again prolong his revenge and seem indecisive to the reader.

In conclusion, there were many paths Hamlets could have taken throughout the course of the book, which his own indecisiveness prevented him from doing. Hamlet’s dismay is attributed to the hesitant behavior toward his father’s revenge due to several internal conflicts and personality traits Hamlets posses.

From the beginning of the play, Hamlet is in an indeterminate state about the validity of anything occurring around him. Furthermore, Hamlet’s doubts in the truthfulness of his father’s spirit, doubts of his own ambitions, and over-analyzing of the world around him left Hamlet a very indecisive man which ultimately led him to his own death.

Fatality in Hamlet
Immortality in Hamlet
Hamlet: The Theme of Revenge
Hamlet and His Tragic Flaw

Hamlet Essay Topics: 40+ Interesting Ideas to Explore

by Antony W

December 8, 2023

The Tragedy of Hamlet by William Shakespeare may be an over 500 years old work of literature. But it covers fundamental and equally interesting themes that touch the very lives of humankind 5+ decades on. So there are literally tens of essay topics to explore in this area.

You can focus your essay on themes such as moral decay, revenge, existential crises, relationship complexities, mortality, character analysis, political commentary, or even human’s struggles. Your essay can be short or long depending on the theme that you’ve decided to explore. Just make sure you pick the best topic and write based on the assignment brief.

Key Takeaways

Hamlet has multiple themes that you can explore to demonstrate a clear understanding of famous work of literature despite being so old.
Because you have the freedom to choose what area to explore, your goal should be to write an impressive essay that draws in the attention of your professor and glues them to the essay from start to finish.

Best Hamlet Essay Topics

The following is a list of good essay topics to explore based on Hamlet by William Shakespeare:

Essay Topics on Themes and Motif

How Hamlet navigate the intricate pathways of vengeance
Comprehensive insights into mortality and death Hamlet offer through its holistic exploration
Ways Hamlet progressively reveals and explores the multifaceted nature of madness within its narrative
How Hamlet portrays the themes of decay and corruption through the motif of disease
Depths of human betrayal plumbed within the context of Hamlet
How Hamlet repeatedly confronts the taboo of incest and the significance this motif holds within the narrative
How is hesitation and procrastination portrayed within Hamlet?
What revelations about fate and destiny emerge from Hamlet’s thematic exploration of these existential elements?
How does Hamlet scrutinize the consequences and complexities associated with inaction versus action?

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Hamlet Essay Topics on Character Analysis

How Hamlet’s character embodies the essence of an anti-hero
Paradoxes and contradictions within Hamlet’s character that contribute to a multifaceted understanding of his persona
Layers of complexity that define Gertrude’s character within the Hamlet narrative
How Polonius’ character navigate the thin line between folly and wisdom
The role Laertes plays in the exploration of themes such revenge, honor, and his contrast with Hamlet’s character within the play
How Horatio embody the themes of friendship and unwavering loyalty
The significance that lies beyond King Hamlet’s ghostly appearance and how this character transcend its supernatural nature
How Rosencrantz and Guildenstern contribute to the broader narrative of Hamlet
How humor interplays with the tragic circumstances in Hamlet through the characters of the gravediggers
The role Marcellus and Bernardo play as guardians of the supernatural realm within the context of Hamlet’s narrative

Easy Hamlet Essay Topics

Unveiling the Spectral Layers: Derrida’s Deconstructive Exploration of Ghostly Presence in Hamlet
Explore Hamlet’s depths through Lacan’s psychoanalytic insights
Rorschach test-like exploration of madness in Hamlet
Delve into Ophelia’s role as a potential feminist icon or victim of patriarchy
Explore Hamlet’s characters through Carl Jung’s archetypal lens interest you
Explore Hamlet’s dichotomy between intellect and impulsive emotions
Freudian analysis of Gertrude and Hamlet’s relationship in the closet scene
Postmodern exploration of justice and retribution in Hamlet
Gender performativity in Hamlet through Judith Butler’s lens
Examine Hamlet’s existential crisis from a Nietzschean perspective
Explore Hamlet’s political landscape in terms of divine right and kingship
Look at the contextual aspects of ‘delay’ in Hamlet’s actions within the Elizabethan era
Do a comparative analysis of absurdist in Hamlet and Beckett’s Waiting for Godot
Write about the environmental themes explored in Shakespeare’s Hamlet from an eco-critical perspective

Best Hamlet Topics

Examine Hamlet’s inaction, its causative factors and ramifications
Write about artistic symbolism within Hamlet’s the mousetrap play
Focus on the modern perspectives on Hamlet’s existential turmoil
Examine Polonius’ role as a catalyst in Hamlet’s tragedy
Write about the significance of Ophelia’s tragic demise
The vengeful ethos: Deconstructing revenge in Hamlet
Comparative analysis with the Elizabethan era in Hamlet in context:
Laertes and Hamlet: A difference in characterization
Exploring misogyny and power dynamics within hamlet
Unveiling the symbolism in Yorick’s skull metaphor
Supernatural elements as narrative devices in Hamlet
Claudius’ machinations for power consolidation
Authenticity versus pretense of the madness in Hamlet

Theme of Modern Society in Hamlet

How Hamlet’s decision-making approach reflect the psychological phenomenon of analysis paralysis in contemporary cognitive studies
In what ways does Hamlet’s existential crisis resonate with and contribute to modern-day philosophical discourse?
What parallels exist between the themes of surveillance in Hamlet and their reverberations within today’s societal structures?
How does the interpretation of Hamlet’s perceived madness shed light on the persistent stigma surrounding mental health in contemporary society?
To what extent can the duplicity and deceit in Hamlet illuminate present-day political landscapes?
The connections drawn between Hamlet’s narrative of revenge and its implications for resolving modern conflicts
In what ways does Hamlet’s narrative expose and prompt dialogue regarding ongoing gender inequalities in society?
Does a contemporary perspective shed new light on the pervasive theme of mortality in Hamlet?
How corruption within Hamlet’s political system mirror and contrast with today’s governance structures
What Ophelia’s descent into madness offer regarding attitudes toward women’s mental health
How Hamlet’s conscience resonates with and influence modern moral landscapes
How do the dynamics of father-son relationships in Hamlet transform when viewed through the lens of modern family structures?
What insights do Hamlet’s soliloquies offer into the individualistic ideals prevalent in the 21st century?
Ways in which instances of corruption in Hamlet’s Denmark mirror present societal anomalies
How the concept of honor has evolved from Hamlet’s time to the modern era
How does Hamlet’s enigmatic paradox resonate in an era inundated with overwhelming information?

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Theme Analysis . Read our .

Hamlet is full of references to the wide gulf that often exists between how things appear and how they really are. From Hamlet ’s own “craft[ed]” madness to Claudius ’s many schemes and plots involving Polonius , Ophelia , Rosencrantz, and Guildenstern to the very foundation of Denmark’s political stability (or lack thereof), things within Elsinore castle are hardly ever as they seem. Hamlet ’s characters’ collective desire to make sense of the difference between what’s real and what’s not drives them to deception, cruelty, and indeed even madness. In acting mad, Hamlet succeeds in driving himself mad; in pretending to spurn Hamlet’s affections, Ophelia actually creates a searing rift between them; in trying to ignore the fact that her new husband murdered her old one, Gertrude forgets the truth and abandons her moral compass. Ultimately, Shakespeare makes the slightly metaphysical argument that the desire to determine which aspects of a person’s character or actions are “real” or intentional actually serves to expose the fact that there is, perhaps, sometimes no difference between what is real and what is perceived; the identities people perform and the choices they make, even in jest, become their realities.

Throughout the play, many of the major characters find themselves confounded by the gulf between how things appear to be and how they really are—even as they themselves engage in subterfuge and masquerades in repeated attempts to present themselves other than as they are, or deliberately mislead one another. Hamlet is the most egregious example of this behavior—he pretends to be mad in order to confuse the members of court at Elsinore and make them believe he’s crazy or blind to what’s going on at the castle, so that he can more sneakily investigate Claudius and come to a conclusion about whether or not his uncle really did murder his father. In his attempts to pass himself off as mad, Hamlet spurns, denigrates, and verbally harasses Ophelia and his mother, Gertrude; entangles two of his old school friends Rosencrantz and Guildenstern in a wild goose chase that leads to their deaths; and berates, offends, and condemns Gertrude as he attempts to ascertain her complicity (or lack thereof) in King Hamlet’s demise. Even as Hamlet deceives those around him in an attempt to save his own skin, he worries incessantly about the guises others adopt to survive at court. He lambasts Ophelia—and, by proxy, all women—for wearing makeup on their faces, accusing them of presenting themselves other than as they are. He makes fun of Polonius’s wormy, fawning obsequiousness to the king and queen, even though he knows it is the job of courtiers and councilors to serve the monarchy. He calls out Rosencrantz and Guildenstern as players in his mother and uncle’s plot to get to the root of his own (false) madness, even though he knows they, too are at the mercy of royalty, unable to refuse the demands of their rulers. Hamlet’s constant anxiety about being lied to, or merely shown a version of reality that runs counter to the truth, is the subject of several length monologues and soliloquies—but ultimately, Hamlet’s endless inquiries into the morality of constructed appearances lead nowhere: at the end of the day, he is complicit in his own worst fears.

Other characters who bring into question the gulf between appearance and reality include the ghost of Hamlet’s father, Hamlet’s mother Gertrude, Polonius, and Ophelia. The ghost of Hamlet’s father claims to be the late King Hamlet—but Hamlet himself has reservations about the ghost’s true nature which are further called into question when the ghost appears to Hamlet a second time inside of Gertrude’s chambers. Gertrude claims to not be able to see the ghost, allowing for several possibilities: the ghost may indeed be a figment of Hamlet’s own imagination, or Gertrude may be pretending not to be able to see the ghost for fear of admitting to her complicity in his murder (or simply her indifference to marrying his killer to retain her own political position). The ghost itself tampers with the denizens of Elsinore’s ideas about “reality,” inspiring awe and fear in Horatio, Marcellus , and other watchmen and sentinels. Gertrude, meanwhile, appears innocent and ignorant of her husband’s murder—but she may, in reality, be affecting innocence just as Hamlet affects madness as a cover for a darker motive. Polonius, too, is guilty of presenting a version of himself that runs counter to the truth of who he is: he makes claims about himself and offers advice that contradict his own actions, such as when he tells Laertes “to thine own self be true,” contradicting his own behavior as a fawning courtier loyal to the whims of his superiors, or when he claims that “brevity is the soul of wit” before embarking on several lengthy, long-winded monologues. Ophelia claims to be pure, honest, and undesirous of Hamlet’s sexual or romantic attention—and yet their interactions seem to suggest that she and Hamlet have a long (and lurid) history, making her desperate attempts at purporting her purity all the more pathetic when seen through Hamlet’s eyes. Ultimately, Hamlet, who has been pretending to be mad for so long, drives himself to the edge of sanity, adopting a kind of nihilism when it comes to questions of life and death, morality, and reality itself. Gertrude, who pretends to be an innocent victim, becomes one when she unwittingly drinks poisoned wine intended for Hamlet. Polonius, who sacrificed his moral compass in service to a corrupt crown, is held up as a tragic loss for the court after his death, revered and mourned by the king. Ophelia, who denied her love for Hamlet in an attempt to appease her father, is buried as a virgin, in spite of the play’s suggestion that she was not pure when she died. All of these characters become the things they once merely pretended to be—and the line between appearance and reality grows blurrier and blurrier as the play progresses.

Hamlet is one of Shakespeare’s most complex plays, noted throughout history for its ambiguous moral center, deep existentialism, and deft exploration of appearance versus reality. As Shakespeare shows how fine the line between appearance and reality really is, he transforms the play into a cautionary tale about the dangers of adopting behaviors, traits, and ways of moving through the world that obscure or corrupt the truth of who one really is.

Appearance vs. Reality ThemeTracker

Appearance vs. Reality Quotes in Hamlet

Seems, madam! Nay, it is; I know not “seems.”

This above all—to thine own self be true; And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man.

Something is rotten in the state of Denmark.

O, villain, villain, smiling, damnèd villain!

There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.

Therefore, since brevity is the soul of wit, And tediousness the limbs and outward flourishes, I will be brief.

There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.

O God, I could be bounded in a nutshell, and count myself a king of infinite space, were it not that I have bad dreams.

What a piece of work is a man, how noble in reason, how infinite in faculties, in form, in moving how express and admirable; in action how like an angel, in apprehension how like a god: the beauty of the world, the paragon of animals—and yet, to me, what is this quintessence of dust?

What’s Hecuba to him, or he to Hecuba, That he should weep for her?

The play’s the thing, Wherein I’ll catch the conscience of the king.

To be or not to be—that is the question: Whether ’tis nobler in the mind to suffer The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, Or to take arms against a sea of troubles And, by opposing, end them.

Get thee to a nunnery. Why wouldst thou be a breeder of sinners? I am myself indifferent honest, but yet I could accuse me of such things that it were better my mother had not borne me…

Why, look you now, how unworthy a thing you make of me! You would play upon me, you would seem to know my stops, you would pluck out the heart of my mystery… ’Sblood, do you think I am easier to be played on than a pipe? Call me what instrument you will, though you can fret me, you cannot play upon me.

My words fly up, my thoughts remain below; Words without thoughts never to heaven go.

CLAUDIUS: What dost thou mean by this?

HAMLET: Nothing but to show you how a king may go a progress through the guts of a beggar.

Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him, Horatio—a fellow of infinite jest… Where be your gibes now? your gambols? your songs? your flashes of merriment that were wont to set the table on a roar?

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107 Exceptional Hamlet Essay Topics: Questions & Prompts

Every academic paper starts with a captivating idea, and Hamlet research paper or essay shouldn’t be an exception. In the list below, our team has collected unique and inspiring topics for you. You can use them in your writing or develop your own idea according to the format.

Here are some Hamlet essay topics for you:

Elaborate on the weather in Denmark. How does it reflect the state of affairs and mood in the country? How does it change throughout the play? Start this Hamlet essay by describing the foggy weather in the first scene and gradually provide more examples as evidence.
Think of irony in Hamlet . How and for what purposes did Shakespeare incorporate it in the play? Provide examples of the lines and situations that can be considered ironic.
Reflect on Gertrude’s marriages. Why did she marry Claudius? Did they have an affair when King Hamlet was alive? Or did she agree on the new marriage to help the country?
Compare and contrast Claudius and King Oedipus from Oedipus the King . What character traits do they share? Who is a better politician? Why?
Explain whether you think Gertrude is on Hamlet’s or Claudius’ side. Did she switch the side by the end of the play? Analyze her conversation with Hamlet and how she later told Claudius that Hamlet was mad. Why did she drink the suspicious (poisoned) wine?
Analyze the fact that dying Hamlet asked Horatio to spread his story. Will Horatio retell it without changes? Can he tell the truth about what happened at all?
Examine an approach to violence in Hamlet . Are violence and aggression excessive in the play? How do characters react to it? Comment on how violence is mainly linked to vengeance.
Consider the Ghost of Old Hamlet and all his appearances in Hamlet . Who saw him? Who do you think can see him? In your Hamlet essay, analyze every scene where he occurred and elaborate on why he did so.
Talk about the relationship between Gertrude and Old Hamlet. Analyze what we know about their marriage and her reaction to her husband’s death. Did Gertrude see the Ghost in the scene with Hamlet? Could she have pretended that she didn’t?
If Hamlet had survived, would he have been a good king? Analyze his strengths and weaknesses concerning the matter. Did he prove to be a good leader or politician in the play? Consider that Fortinbras explicitly stated that Hamlet could’ve become a good ruler.
Elaborate on the way Hamlet killed Polonius in act 3, scene 4. Why did Hamlet act so quickly and calmly when he hesitates to kill his enemy, Claudius? Was this murder intentional? Did Hamlet regret it or freak out about it?
Explore Hamlet’s mental state. How did grief affect him? His depression and suicidal tendencies are apparent. How do they change throughout the play?
Compare Hamlet’s attitude towards the only women in the play, Ophelia and Gertrude. Why does he shame both of them for their sexual relationships? Examine his dialogues with his mother and his (ex)girlfriend, where he expresses cruelty. Elaborate on how his mother’s remarriage affected his relationships with the women.
Examine the madness that Hamlet may or may not obtain. Thanks to his dialogue with Horatio, we know that he fakes his insanity. But could it have changed by the end of the play? What could’ve caused it? Analyze the evidence of his abnormal behavior and whether you can consider it natural, not acted.
Analyze how Hamlet reflects on suicide. Provide examples from the soliloquies where Hamlet presumably tells the truth about his feelings. He considers suicide as an option, way out of the situation. Why doesn’t he commit it? Or was his death close to suicide?
Consider whether the Ghost exists or not. A few people have seen him, but may it have been a case of mass hysteria? Hamlet may have gone mad over the death of his father and his mother’s remarriage. What if he imagined his dialogues with deceased King Hamlet? Provide evidence for that opinion or refute it.
Elaborate on Hamlet’s trust issues. He suspects everyone from the start except for one person. Why does Hamlet trust Horatio? Analyze how the prince never lies during their conversations, even when the truth is a little insane. Why does Horatio believe everything he says?
Examine friendship in Hamlet . Most of the relationships in the play are based on manipulation and benefit. Who can you see as friends in Hamlet ? Reflect on whether Hamlet values his friendship with Horatio. What can you say about Hamlet’s friends from childhood?
Analyze the literary period during which Shakespeare came up with Hamlet . What features of the Elizabethan era does he illustrate in the play? Examplify various scenes and dialogues to prove your point.
Consider prominent theatrical productions of Hamlet . How did they change over the centuries? What does modern theatre do that the Medieval one could not? Did theatrical performances evolve?
Compare and contrast the original play and Lion King by Disney corporation. What are the key differences that were made in the cartoon? Why did Disney decide to come up with them? Analyze which version do you like more and why.
Comment on the theme of death and mortality What events and objects made Hamlet obsessed with death? Elaborate on the role that religion plays in his considerations concerning the matter.
Examine Claudius’ soliloquy . What’s its role in the play? What’s the crucial idea of his speech? Elaborate on the reasons why Claudius, the villain, has a soliloquy in Hamlet .
Analyze all the symbols of death in the play What symbols from Hamlet refer to mortality? Speculate whether you can call fences, poison, unweeded gardens, flowers, and so on a symbol of death.
Explore the conflicts of Hamlet . The play combines inner and outer conflicts, which are addressed mainly through Hamlet’s monologues. List the fundamental oppositions and lines that exemplify them.
Reflect on Hamlet’s relationship with Gertrude Why is he upset with her? How does it affect his actions and opinion about all the women? Does Gertrude love her son?
Analyze the setting of the play. Does the fact that Hamlet takes place in Denmark play any crucial role? Speculate why Shakespeare may have decided upon this country and support your opinion with evidence.
Elaborate on Hamlet’s relationship with Ophelia. Does the prince consider her significant? Does he care about her? Compare how he treated Ophelia before and after her death.
Comment on Hamlet’s religious beliefs Does religion have an impact on the prince’s decisions? Why is Hamlet considered a protestant? Prove your point by providing evidence from the play.
Reflect on the theme of revenge Why does everyone value revenge in the play? Why do people passionately seek it in the society presented in Hamlet ? Elaborate on what impact it has on the characters’ motivations and decisions.
Consider the language of Hamlet . Explain that Shakespeare’s play is well-known for its rich language and broad vocabulary. He composed a few characters who pay close attention to the words they say and hear. Why is language crucial for Hamlet?
Examine Fortinbras. Who is he? Why is he a character foil for Hamlet? Analyze why he succeeded in everything he did and even became the king of Denmark.
Analyze imagery and descriptions in the play. How does Shakespeare enhance each scene by alternating descriptions of the weather and nature? Provide examples of prominent images presented in the play and elaborate on their purpose.
Compare Hamlet to Oedipus Rex . What do the characters of the famous plays have in common? Do they have a similar goal? Elaborate on how their character traits affect the endings of the respective plays.
Explore the deception in Hamlet . What things and events are built on lies? Why and how do characters try to manipulate each other throughout the whole play?
Elaborate on the imagery of rot and diseases How do unweeded gardens reflect the state of affairs? Explain how ill atmosphere foreshadows and represents problems caused by the actions of the royal court’s members.
Comment on the role of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern in the play. Speculate whether they are simply comic relief characters or they have another purpose in Hamlet . Why did Shakespeare decide that he needed such characters in the play?
Analyze Gertrude’s attitude towards Ophelia. Elaborate on the scenes where Gertrude communicates with Ophelia and mentions her. What does the queen think of her and her relationships with Hamlet? How does Gertrude comments on Ophelia’s death?
Compare Hamlet’s and Horatio’s character traits. In what ways are they different and similar? What Horatio’s qualities Hamlet explicitly admires and lacks?
Speculate on Shakespeare’s opinion about theatre. Examine a few references to the English stage of the Elizabethan era that the author put in the play in Act 2. How does he comment on the theatre of his own time through Hamlet’s lines of dialogue?
Explore the relationships between Hamlet and Claudius. Why does Hamlet suspect his uncle from the start? Does Claudius think of Hamlet as dangerous? When does he become highly aware of his nephew’s capabilities?
Consider the death of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. When and how did they die? Why does a reader find out about it after the deaths of the royal family members? Speculate on the reasons why it was structured to be so anticlimactic. Why did W. S. Gilbert write a short comic play about them?
Analyze the reception and comprehension of Hamlet . Why is it one of the most popular Shakespeare’s plays even today? Is it still relevant? Explain why nowadays our understanding of the play differs from the one from the writer’s era.
Comment on the appearance vs. reality in Hamlet . Why do so many characters pretend to have another personality or obtain character traits that they don’t have? Why does Hamlet see through the pretense?
Elaborate on Ophelia’s death . Was it a suicide, how gravediggers presumed, or an accident, as Gertrude claimed? Explain in your Hamlet essay the reasons for Ophelia to commit suicide. Did she have a choice?
Reflect on political corruption. What characters represent corrupted politicians in the play? How do they manipulate public opinion?
Analyze one movie adaptation of Hamlet . Write about the changes that were made in the film version. What differences from the play did you like? What changes were you surprised to see?
Examine the political situation in the play. What war did Fortinbras lead? Why? How does it affect Denmark during the play and after it’s the last scene?
Explore the role of women in Hamlet . The play presents the social norms that were relevant for people of this period. What parts of women’s lives did men explicitly control? Provide examples from the play.
Compare Laertes and Hamlet . Laertes is known as Hamlet’s character foil. Examine similarities and differences in their character traits.
Consider the doubt and indecisiveness of Hamlet . Why are such traits uncommon for the genre? What do they say about the prince as a character? Explain how these qualities affect the plot and Hamlet’s thought process.
Elaborate on the symbolism in the play. Finding symbolism can be challenging as the interpretations differ. Some individuals consider particular objects as symbols, while others don’t. What do you view as examples of symbolism in the play? Why? What role do they play in understanding the story?
Reflect on the Oedipus complex. Comment on whether Hamlet has it or not. Provide evidence from the play, especially from the scene with Gertrude, to prove your point. How can this idea be approached on the stage? Find examples of theatrical productions where Hamlet and Gertrude had a conversation in her closet.
Compare and contrast Claudius and Polonius. What character traits do they have in common? Explain how they are not who they are trying to appear. Who is better at lying and manipulating others? Why?
Examine how revenge affected characters in Hamlet . Three characters wish to avenge their fathers: Laertes, Hamlet, and Fortinbras. How does revenge affect their lives? Who succeeded in getting their revenge?
Consider the family theme. What role does family play for various characters? Elaborate on how blood ties motivate multiple characters.
Reflect on Yorick’s role in the play. Who was Yorick? What impact did he have on Hamlet during the prince’s childhood and present time? Elaborate on how Yorick led Hamlet to his last soliloquy.
Analyze the religious conflict of the play. How did events from Shakespeare’s time affect the theme of religion? Explain how Hamlet presents the conflict between Protestantism and Catholicism through the prince and King Hamlet.
Comment on the theme of madness. Who went mad in the play? Compare Hamlet’s and Laerte’s insanity to Ophelia’s one. How was her madness different from the other examples?
Explore Polonius’ character. What was Polonius’ motivation throughout the play? Whom did he manipulate, and why? Explain why he tried to appear a good person and a parent.
Elaborate on the reasons why Hamlet is the protagonist of the story. What makes him a tragic hero? Why is he considered a good person after every crime he committed and every cruel thing he said to his mother and Ophelia?
Think of the conflict of good and evil. What imagery is associated with each of them in the play? Does evil spread like a disease?
Explain how Hamlet differs from other plays of Shakespeare’s time . What new features and connections within the story did the writer present? How did Shakespeare make characters contribute to the plot?
Analyze the “To be or not to be” speech. It’s one of the most famous lines in history, but what meaning is behind it? Elaborate on the circumstances around the monologue and whether Hamlet is partially lying.
Reflect on performances of Hamlet. Choose a couple of performances on the stage or in a movie and compare them. Whose version of the character you prefer and why?
Elaborate on the movie Ophelia (2018). What’s intriguing about a story told from Ophelia’s point of view? Exemplify the differences from the original play and how the change of perspective affected the story.
Explore Hamlet’s obsession with inaction and action . What stops Hamlet from acting decisively? Exemplify situations from the play when characters act quickly, without any doubt compared to Hamlet’s almost constant hesitance.
Compare Hamlet and King Lear. What similar character traits have an impact on the respective plays? Can we call the prince and the king victims of the social norms?
Think of how the play’s themes are relevant nowadays . Which of them remained timeless, relevant for any period? Are any themes become obsolete and useless in today’s world? Elaborate on each theme separately with examples from the play.
Reflect on Hamlet’s mood swings . Provide examples of how the prince’s mood affects his actions and speech. What can and did influence his mood?
Examine Polonius’ death. Why was he hiding behind the tapestry during the scene? Was it his idea? How did he die? Elaborate on irony in the way he was murdered. How did it affect the plot?
Analyze Hamlet as an actor. Is he good at playing a character? Elaborate on his dialogue with the First Player and his opinion about acting.
Consider the motif of betrayal. Who betrays Hamlet? Explain how the attitude towards this act varies from character to character. How does Hamlet’s betrayal affect Ophelia?
Explore the connection between honor and revenge . Explain why it’s the principal motivation for such characters as Hamlet, Laertes, and Fortinbras. Comment on scenes where it reveals itself through actions and conversations.
Elaborate on Hamlet’s death. Was it the only logical conclusion for Hamlet’s psychological and emotional development? Was he satisfied?
Comment on the genre of the play . Can we call it revenge tragedy without any reservation? How did Shakespeare ruin the genre by Hamlet ?
Compare Hamlet and the Ghost. What can you say about the language that the characters use? List the lines that state that Hamlet and the Ghost look similar.
Think of the father-son relationships in the play . Analyze the relationships between Hamlet and King Hamlet and compare them to those of Laertes and Polonius. Which features are common for both of them?
Elaborate on the name Hamlet . What does it mean? What’s its country of origin? Add a sentence or two about Amleth.
Consider allusions to historical figures in the play. Why does Hamlet mention Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar in act 5? Why did Shakespeare include allusions at all?
Examine soliloquies in Hamlet . What’s their role in the play? Provide lines from soliloquies that let us dive into the thoughts and intentions of a character. Does anyone lie during such a speech?
Compare the two film adaptations of the play. Elaborate on different film techniques and alterations of the plot. Concentrate on one scene in particular and explain what changes were made.
Explore Hamlet’s nihilism. When does Hamlet start to display features that are inherent to this school of thought? Explain how the prince came to nihilism, what pushed him to this.
List the most painful moments of Hamlet’s life and elaborate on them. Include events that happened before the first act and within the play. Prove your point with evidence from the prince’s lines.
Think of what poison represents. What does it refer to? Who dies from poison in the play?
Consider the play from the public’s perspective. How does Claudius manipulate the public’s opinion? What do people think of the new king and Hamlet?
Compare and contrast Gertrude and Ophelia. What traits do they have in common? Explain differences and similarities in their affection towards Hamlet. Who controls these women?
Elaborate on the villain of the story. Who can be considered an antagonist of the play? Why do some people regard Hamlet as a villain?
Imagine how Hamlet could’ve reacted to modern society. What aspects of the future would he appreciate? What social norms would shock him? Would he be more comfortable in our period?
Evaluate all the relationships in Hamlet’s life. What’s the most significant one? Why? What relationships changed throughout the play?
Comment on contradictions in the play. What contradictions does Hamlet face? Is he himself a contradictory character? Provide examples of Hamlet’s contradictions
Explore the fencing in the last scene of Hamlet . What does it contribute to the story? Does it affect the end of the duel?
Elaborate on the gravediggers. How did their job affect their attitude towards death? Comment on their humor and whether it’s a coping mechanism. Does it illustrate their perception of life?
Compare Claudius and King Hamlet. What qualities differentiate them? What do they have in common? Speculate on who was a more talented politician and a better leader.
Think of comic relief in Hamlet . Comment on how Polonius, Osric, gravediggers, and Hamlet’s dialogues with them enlighten the mood. Was the humor appropriate for revenge tragedies before Shakespeare?
Consider foreshadowing in the play. What events are foreshadowed early on in Hamlet ? Present lines and features from act 1 that indicate the tragic end.
Elaborate on justice and truth . How does Shakespeare show attitude towards justice common for this time? Does Hamlet approach fairness differently from the others? Elaborate on how Hamlet both pursue the truth and ignores it.
Examine the “Get thee to a nunnery, go.” sentence. Why did Hamlet say so to Ophelia? What made the prince think that she was vicious?
Comment on Hamlet’s cruelty. When does Hamlet become cruel towards other characters? Is he cruel towards himself? Analyze situations where Hamlet talks viciously and whether it’s intentional or not.
Explore Hamlet’s character . Why is the prince such an unusual figure for revenge tragedies? Explain how Shakespeare created the hero who struggles to act with firmness and constantly reflects on his actions and decisions. Is he easy to understand and relate to?
Analyze the play within the play. What’s its role in plot development? Why did Hamlet let the play take place? Explain what scene he added and why. Elaborate on the title The Mousetrap .
Examine the consequences of revenge . What conclusion does Shakespeare provide for the theme of revenge? Explain how does it influence the deaths of Hamlet and Laertes, the absolute victory of Fortinbras.
Reflect on Hamlet’s hesitance to kill Claudius . Why does he consider murdering his uncle in act 1? What stops him? Illustrate all the occasions when Hamlet could’ve killed Claudius but didn’t, and one time he did. What pushed him in the end?
Compare Claudius to Laertes. Are there any similarities? How do these characters form an alliance by the end of the play?
Comment on Gertrude’s guiltiness . Hamlet considers his mother guilty of too many crimes, but was she guilty of anything? Speculate whether she participated in King Hamlet’s murder or had an affair with Claudius before her husband’s death. Was she loyal to Hamlet?
Elaborate on the “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark …“ line. Who says it? Explain the context of the line, its meaning, and what it foreshadows.
Examine Polonius’ advice to Laertes. Provide its meaning and reflect on Polonius’ intentions. Why is this speech ironic?

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Selecting powerful argumentative essay topics on hamlet: 15 examples.

Hamlet being produced in the Renaissance period was made out of the tragic moments that incurred in the period in History. Shakespeare had been known to create a tragic kind of plays. He focuses on revenge, humanity, social issues and deaths. Hamlet is a story of betrayal, wrong accusation, revenge, and love.

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Hamlet’s Love To Ophelia
In the story of Hamlet, it is argumentative whether Hamlet until the end had loved Ophelia. Did he love him before and lost his love due to his mad desire for revenge? If he did not? Why is he greatly affected by her death? If yes, why does he push her to the extreme side of avoidance to him which is the nunnery?
The creation of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern's Role.
In the story about intense plots for revenge, are the character made for comedy purposes? Or they have more unyielding roles? Can they be just omitted?
Revenge in Hamlet.
Is the Hamlet, plainly pull it the thrust of events in the idea of revenge? Is it good to base revenge in ghost?
Does the death of many people morally justify the death?
How many revenge plots existed in the story?
Ghost in Hamlet
Does the presence of a ghost in the story pretty convincing? Are ghost real?
Hamlet's Relationship with the Ghost
Is the existence of revenge a cue in all of Hamlet’s action?
The Purpose of the “Murder of Gonzago.”
The people are exchanging a glance as the play goes, are the lines nothing inadmissible?
In the play. Did the King really show his guilt?
But why end in praying?
Conflict as essential to drama.
The struggle of his doubts further promoted the drama rather than Hamlet himself
Is the ambiguous thinking of Hamlet the main cause of all conflict?
Mistrusted Love: Ophelia and Polonius
Does Polonius have the rightful moral to paint the admission of Hamlet's love to Ophelia rudely?
Is the plain ignorance justifies Ophelia’s distrust to Hamlet?
Is her resort of going to nunnery despite the doubts, good or bad?
Is Polonius judgment a wrong perception?
Is this a blundering pursuit?
A mother To his Child
Is the instant remarrying of Gertrude a sign of infidelity to the filial connection to his father and to Hamlet?
Is she involved in Claudius plot of murder to the King?
How important is the general setting of Denmark to the overall play?
Is the use of Denmark use to draw more attention to the possible audience?
Was it used for political purposes?
Was it used to push more power to England as superiors?
Hamlet as national hero
Does he deserve such final pave in his death?
The Evil Plan of Claudius and Laertes
Compare and contrast the characters of Claudius and Laertes.
How alike or dislike are they and why?
Is the ignorance of the reason of the death of his father & sister the reason for revenge?
Was it because he long despise Hamlet way before the confession of love to Ophelia
Insanity of Hamlet
"His madness is poor Hamlet's enemy."
Explain Hamlet's motivation behind this comment
Examine how true his remark is.
A prince of a Prince
Is Fortinbras a valuable character in his own right?
Does he serve only to highlight aspects of Hamlet's personality?
Is his character be fit to be a remark on Hamlet
Goethe’s Opinion
What is Goethe's opinion of Hamlet?
Do you agree with his famous conclusions?
Death of Polonius
What could be Hamlet’s solution?
Does Hamlet truly weep for Polonius death?

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Hamlet Essay | Essay on Hamlet for Students and Children in English

February 12, 2024 by Prasanna

Hamlet Essay: The tragic play written by William Shakespeare, Hamlet, is a milestone in Shakespeare’s dramatic development in the world of literature. It is believed that Hamlet was written sometime in 1601 or 1602.

The playwright, Shakespeare has achieved a very creative matureness in work by his depiction of the main character’s struggle with two polar opposite forces: one being the need to avenge his father’s assassination and other being moral integrity. Hamlet is known as Shakespeare’s most successful, ideal and best plays in his lifetime, along with another tragic play, Romeo and Juliet.

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Long and Short Essays on Hamlet for Students and Kids in English

We are providing students with essay samples on a long essay of 500 words and a short essay of 150 words on the topic Hamlet for reference.

Long Essay on Hamlet 500 Words in English

Long Essay on Hamlet is usually given to classes 7, 8, 9, and 10.

Hamlet also was known as The Tragedy of Hamlet; Prince of Denmark is a tragedy play written by William Shakespeare. It was written sometime between the year 1599 and 1601. The play is set in Denmark, and it is based on the main character, Hamlet, whose father the king Hamlet was murdered by his uncle Claudius who then hastily remarried his mother to seize the throne.

The heftiest and influential works in the world of literature, Hamlet is a story efficient of seemingly limitless recurring and adaptation by others. Shakespeare’s Hamlet originated from the legend of Amleth which was conserved by Saxo Grammaticus, a 13th-century chronicler, in his GestaDanorum and was retold by scholar Francois de Belleforest in the 16th century. From Charles Dickens and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe to Iris Murdoch and James Joyce, Hamlet has inspired many other.

An earlier Elizabethan play known as Ur-Hamlet was also believed to have been drawn by Shakespeare, though many scholars suspect that the well-known Hamlet is the revised version of Ur-Hamlet written by Shakespeare. It is almost certain that Shakespeare wrote his version for the title role for his fellow actor and the leading tragedian of Shakespeare’s time, Richard Burbage. The role has been performed many a time by famous actors even after 400 years of its inception.

The First Quarto; the Second Quarto and the First Follo are the three early different versions of the play, and each version includes entire scenes and lines which are missing from the other versions. The critical scrutiny of the play was inspired by the play’s structure and depth of characterization. An example of one such scrutiny in the play is Hamlet’s hesitation while killing his uncle as some saw it as a dramatization of the complicated ethical and philosophical issues surrounding the calculated revenge, foiled desire and the cold-blooded murder. At the same time, some argued that it is merely a plot device to elongate the action of the play.

You can now access Essay Writing on Hamlet and many more topics.

Recently feminists’ critics have examined and attempted to reintegrate the often-scorned characters of Gertrude and Ophelia while psychoanalytic critics have evaluated Hamlets’ unconscious desires. The play topped the performance list of the Royal Shakespeare Company and its forerunners in Stratford upon Avon since 1879.

The Hamlet-like legends are extensively found in Spain, Byzantium, Italy, Arabia and Byzantium and theme is possibly from an Indo-European origin with the core as “hero-as-fool”. According to Stephen Greenblatt’s argument, Hamlet was written tragically by Shakespeare due to his grief for the loss of his son, Hamnet Shakespeare, who died in 1596 at age eleven. But this idea was rejected by many scholars.

As recommended by Baldassare Castiglione’s 1528 etiquette guide, The Courtier, much of Hamlet’s language is courtly that is elaborate and witty discourse. As death is the main cause and result of the revenge for Hamlet, it is very intimately tied with the theme of revenge and justice. The start of the quest is caused by Hamlet’s uncle, who caused his father’s death, and the quest ends with the death of his uncle in the play.

Short Essay on Hamlet 150 Words in English

Short Essay on Hamlet is usually given to classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

Hamlet is argued as one of the greatest tragedy pieces, which was written by William Shakespeare all through his life. The plot of the play disputes between a variety of dispositions all in the chase of power and their interruption of moral authority. It surrounds the theme of deceit, deceives and maliciousness to create the “perfect storm” of chaos, misuse and perhaps lunacy. The personality of the main character, Hamlet, the son of the old King Hamlet and the rightful inheritor of the throne, is the most perplexing element throughout the play.

Although Hamlet receives celestial affirmation that his uncle Claudius secretly assassinated his father, and spectates a hasty remarriage of his uncle to his mother, Hamlet remains unable to take any revenge on behalf of his father. Hamlet is based on a Latin Norse legend by Saxo Grammaticus around 1200 AD. There are sixteen books in total, which tells about the stories of the great rulers of Denmark.

10 Lines on Hamlet Essay in English

1. The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, also known as Hamlet is a play written by William Shakespeare. 2. Hamlet is said to behave written between 1599 to 1601. 3. Hamlet is the longest play written by Shakespeare with 30,557 words. 4. The plot of the play is about the revenge of Prince Hamlet against his uncle, Claudius, who murdered his father, to get his throne and marry his Hamlet’s mother. 5. Hamlet is one of the most popular plays written by Shakespeare. 6. It is considered that Hamlet is the most influential and powerful works in the world of literature. 7. The performance of Hamlet topped the list of Royal Charles Dickens since 1879. 8. Hamlet is described as the world’s most filmed movie right after Cinderella. 9. The play has been performed many times over the 400 years since its inception by highly well-known actors in each successive century. 10. There are three versions of the play which are surviving known as the First Quarto, the Second Quarto and the First Follo.

FAQ’s on Hamlet Essay

Question 1. Which of the character has the most lines in the play Hamlet?

Answer: The most lines, of any character in the play Hamlet, is the character Hamlet himself with 1569 lines.

Question 2. When was the play Hamlet, first performed?

Answer: The play was first performed in the year 1609.

Question 3. What does the word Hamlet mean?

Answer: The word Hamlet means small human settlement. A hamlet may also mean the size of a village, parish or a town.

Question 4. Is Hamlet based on a true story?

Answer: The characters in the play Hamlet are not based on real persons. But the story of Hamlet has been around the world for centuries.

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Hamlet
Hamlet Essay ENG 4U OULINE AND INSTRUCTIONS, THESIS, OUTLINE, ROUGH
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Here's How to Kill It on Your Hamlet Essay
Thesis Statement. In William Shakespeare's Hamlet, Hamlet is the only character to have conversations with the ghost of his father, and the ghost advises him to murder his uncle. The existence of the ghost demonstrates how mad Hamlet has become. Conversations. Castle guards and Horatio see, but don't talk to, the ghost.
Hamlet Essay
The Tragic Story of Hamlet. Essay grade: Satisfactory. 2 pages / 1016 words. Hamlet is a tragic story where there is a hero and criminals. Everyone has an imperfection that leads to something tragic or r emotional in all of the history. The main evil in this story is Hamlet, Prince of Denmark.
Tragic Flaw in Shakespeare's Hamlet: [Essay Example], 949 words
Hook Examples for "Hamlet" Essay. A Shakespearean Tragedy: Enter the world of William Shakespeare's "Hamlet," where ambition, revenge, and tragedy intertwine. Join me as we unravel the intricacies of Hamlet's character and the tragic flaws that lead to his ultimate downfall.
Hamlet Sample Essay Outlines
Sample Essay Outlines. PDF Cite. The following paper topics are based on the entire play. Following each topic is a thesis and sample outline. Use these as a starting point for your paper. Topic ...
Hamlet Research Paper & Essay Examples
Role of Women in Twelfth Night and Hamlet by Shakespeare. Genre: Research Paper. Words: 2527. Focused on: Women in Shakespeare's Twelfth Night and Hamlet. Characters mentioned: Ophelia, Gertrude, Hamlet, Claudius, Laertes, Polonius. William Shakespeare's Hamlet, Prince of Denmark.
How To Write A Literary Analysis Hamlet Essay
In order to conduct a good literary analysis of the protagonist and the novel as a whole, and as a result, write an excellent essay, the author should take into account the following recommendations: Define the structure of your paper. As a rule, an essay consists of three main structural elements: introduction, main part, and conclusion;
151 Hamlet Essay Titles, Examples, & Thesis Ideas
151 Hamlet Essay Topics & Thesis Ideas. Updated: May 31st, 2024. 21 min. We know how long students search for interesting Hamlet essay topics. In this post, you will find a list of the most debating Hamlet essay titles and thesis ideas. We've also developed a guide on how to write a Hamlet paper and included some helpful Hamlet essay examples.
William Shakespeare: Hamlet's Actions and Inactions Essay (Critical
William Shakespeare: Hamlet's Actions and Inactions Essay (Critical Writing) "Hamlet" is a play for all times. Its protagonist is a contradictory and mysterious person. If he is guided by blind revenge or righteous feel of justice, why he hesitates and lingers to punish culprits if he is prudent or light-minded - these adages may be ...
140 Hamlet Essay Topics
Start with a compelling hook that draws the reader in. For example, compelling opening sentences for Hamlet essays could be something like: "In a time when women were expected to be silent…". "Hamlet's lust for his mother…". "In a world where revenge…". After the hook, you'll want to include pertinent background ...
Hamlet Free Essay Examples And Topic Ideas
67 essay samples found. Hamlet, one of William Shakespeare's most celebrated tragedies, delves into themes of madness, revenge, mortality, and existential despair. Essays could delve into the complex character of Hamlet, his internal struggles, and the philosophical dialogues that pervade the play. They might also explore the political ...
Hamlet Suggested Essay Topics
Suggested Essay Topics. 1. Contrast the attitudes towards the death of the old King as expressed by Claudius and Hamlet. 2. Compare the advice given to Ophelia by Laertes and that given by ...
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GradeSaver provides access to 2364 study guide PDFs and quizzes, 11012 literature essays, 2780 sample college application essays, 926 lesson plans, and ad-free surfing in this premium content, "Members Only" section of the site! Membership includes a 10% discount on all editing orders. Join Now Log in.
Hamlet Essay
English. Hamlet Essay. It can be argued that Hamlet, is one of the greatest tragedy pieces written by William Shakespeare throughout his life. The play provides conflict between a variety of personalities all in the pursuit of power or their own interruption of moral justice. It encompasses the themes of deception, manipulation, and malevolence ...
Shakespeare: Hamlet
The story of the play is about the prince Hamlet whose father was the king of Denmark. The king was murdered by Hamlet's uncle Claudius who also married Hamlet's mother Gertrude. The play is centered on Hamlet's anxiety and indecision on how to avenge his father's death. Get a custom essay on Shakespeare: Hamlet. 182 writers online.
Hamlet Essay Topics: 40+ Interesting Ideas to Explore
Easy Hamlet Essay Topics. Unveiling the Spectral Layers: Derrida's Deconstructive Exploration of Ghostly Presence in Hamlet. Explore Hamlet's depths through Lacan's psychoanalytic insights. Rorschach test-like exploration of madness in Hamlet. Delve into Ophelia's role as a potential feminist icon or victim of patriarchy.
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Hamlet: Essay Topics 1) Conflict is essential to drama. Show that Hamlet. presents both an outward and inward conflict.. 2) How do Hamlet's seven soliloquies reveal his character? 3) Is Hamlet primarily a tragedy of revenge? 4) Discuss Hamlet's relationship with Gertrude. 5) How important is the general setting of Denmark to the overall play. 6) Of what significance is Ophelia to Hamlet?
Shakespeare Hamlet Essay
unnatural murder. Murder! Murder most foul, as in the best it is; But this most foul, strange and unnatural." (Hamlet, 1.5 25-28) In Act 1, Scene 5 of Shakespeare's Hamlet, the Ghost, which can be either interpreted as Hamlet's late father or a figment of Hamlet's imagination, commands the young Hamlet to take revenge for the death of the former King of Denmark.
Appearance vs. Reality Theme in Hamlet
The ThemeTracker below shows where, and to what degree, the theme of Appearance vs. Reality appears in each scene of Hamlet. Click or tap on any chapter to read its Summary & Analysis. How often theme appears: scene length: Act 1, Scene 1. Act 1, Scene 2. Act 1, Scene 3.
107 Exceptional Hamlet Essay Topics: Questions & Prompts
In the list below, our team has collected unique and inspiring topics for you. You can use them in your writing or develop your own idea according to the format. We will write a custom essay specifically for you by our professional experts. Here are some Hamlet essay topics for you: Elaborate on the weather in Denmark.
A List Of 15 Best Argumentative Essay Topics On Hamlet
Selecting Powerful Argumentative Essay Topics On Hamlet: 15 Examples. Hamlet being produced in the Renaissance period was made out of the tragic moments that incurred in the period in History. Shakespeare had been known to create a tragic kind of plays. He focuses on revenge, humanity, social issues and deaths.
Essay on Hamlet for Students and Children in English
Long Essay on Hamlet is usually given to classes 7, 8, 9, and 10. Hamlet also was known as The Tragedy of Hamlet; Prince of Denmark is a tragedy play written by William Shakespeare. It was written sometime between the year 1599 and 1601. The play is set in Denmark, and it is based on the main character, Hamlet, whose father the king Hamlet was ...