Hamlet - a Universal Man - 2075 Words

The tragedy and situation in the play ‘Hamlet has been commented on as ‘universal. Audiences of many different cultures can enjoy ‘Hamlet even though it is set in an alien culture to them. The reasons for this are that many people can relate to the play, they feel that they are living though a profound experience, even if nothing in the plot of Hamlet has ever happened to them. The experience of ‘Hamlet is not restricted to the plot and its characters. br brA large factor in this universal acceptance is that the main character, Hamlet, around whom the entire play revolves, is realist and ‘universal himself. In this Hamlet is merely a reflection of aspects found in all men, he is a symbol for how any man would act given the†¦show more content†¦It is an unobtrusive means that spares the innocent, but condemns the guilty. This cleverness may be beyond the average man ability, but it is what the common man wishes he could do. Hamlets method is a reflection of what the ‘common man knows would be the right action to take. br brA most notable aspect of Hamlet is that he does not want to be a ‘hero. In many ways Hamlet tries to avoid the task set for him. Hamlet is set on his course by powers that are beyond his control. He is pressured into conflict by the supernatural. Though he does agree to avenge his father, he does so in an extreme rashness that he later regrets, a repeated rashness that ultimately causes his demise. br br(Hamlet) Speak, I am bound to hear. br(Ghost) So art thou to revengeÂ… br(Hamlet) Haste me to knowt, that I, with wings as swift bras meditationÂ… brMay sweep to my revengeÂ…(Act 1, Scene5) brO, what a rogue and peasant slave I am (Act 2, Scene 2) br brHamlets rashness and passion are common features found in all people. In a highly emotional state Hamlet commits himself, only to find he does not really want to keep his promise. Hamlet is the reluctant hero, which is true for many people. Though people may dream of being a hero, most would prefer the safety to possible death. Though when forced to do so, or when it seems the only way, people will find themselves acting in ways they have never done before. Hamlet reflects peoples ability to change and riseShow MoreRelatedThe Great Flood Of Gilgamesh, The Canterbury Tales, And Hamlet1311 Words   |  6 Pagesthis literary device in stories to convey a critical belief about life. A theme of a book is usually seen as a universal in nature because when a theme is universal, it touches on human experience. Sometimes there are multiple themes to a story and they may or may not be stated directly. Religion is a theme found throughout the stories of Gilgamesh, Beowulf, The Canterbury Tal es, and Hamlet. The theme of religion is prevalent throughout The Epic of Gilgamesh. Readers can see that the stories foundRead MoreAnalysis of the story Shakespeare in the bush.1253 Words   |  4 Pagesand motivations of Shakespeare s tragic plays will always be apparent because human nature is more or less universal through out the world. She does however take into account that the customs and translation of his works could produce slight differences in their interpretations. The argument remained a stalemate as she was preparing to travel to Africa. Her friend gave her a copy of Hamlet as a parting gift with hopes that perhaps she would find the true interpretation. On her trip to Africa theRead MoreShakespeare Is The Greatest Masterpiece Ever Written? Essay1710 Words   |  7 Pageswritings share universal themes encompassing love, war, class struggles, sex, betrayal, grief, and family. Shakespeare is relevant and Hamlet is the greatest masterpiece ever written! 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Shakespeare develops the paradox of man and contradictions of humanity with imagery, ironic siloques, and philosophical rants by Hamlet and ClaudiusRead More Universal Acceptance of Hamlet by William Shakespeare Essay2011 Words   |  9 PagesUniversal Acceptance of Hamlet by William Shakespeare The tragedy and situation in the play ‘Hamlet’ has been commented on as ‘universal.’ Audiences of many different cultures can enjoy ‘Hamlet’ even though it is set in an alien culture to them. The reasons for this are that many people can relate to the play, they feel that they are living though a profound experience, even if nothing in the plot of Hamlet has ever happened to them. The experience of ‘Hamlet’ is not restricted to the plotRead MoreCompare And Contrast Hamlet And Twelfth Night1162 Words   |  5 PagesFrom Hilarity to Tragedy in Shakespeare: How Hamlet and Twelfth Night Compare By Zawadi Bunzigiye William Shakespeare wrote plays covering the breadth of human experience. They seem to have transcended the restraints of age because of the universal themes that they contain. His body of his work is comprised of genres of plays varying from tragedies to comedies. Of them, Hamlet and Twelfth Night are perfect examples of both. A comparison between them would be of interest because their common pointsRead MoreIt Is Possible To Put A Value Or Price On Almost Anything,1269 Words   |  6 Pagespossible to place a value on life based on some of these things, whether it be how many good deeds that someone has done, how many financial assets they have, or their contribution to society. What many do not understand is that there will never be a universal way to value a life because everyone has different opinions on different things. For example, the life of a pastor might be valued high by one individual who notices all the good that the pastor has done, while a pessimistic individual has the opportunity