Why Hamlet is a Tragic Hero and the Play a Classic Tragedy :: essays research papers

Dear Kylie,I noticed your conformity to Culture Magazine, regarding Shakespeares great play crossroads. Having recently analyze Hamlet in Year 12 English, I think I can help answer one of your questions. You asked why is Hamlet regarded as a tragic grinder and the play a classic calamity? Before I can answer your question, you must first discover the difference between the meaning of tragedy today and what is meant by tragedy in playing period. Whereas a tragedy in life may be considered something such as a death or accident, in drama a tragedy in drama is much more. In a tragedy, although the hero may be in conflict with an opposing force, the power of his downfall falls finally on himself. This is usually because of a face defect a tragic flaw which causes him to act in a way which overthrows up bringing about his own tough luck, suffering and ultimately death. Hamlet is very much a tragedy, but it is also different, existence a revenge tragedy where the hero is dri ven by the need for revenge, not unlike a modern day horror movie. Prince Hamlet is a tragedy of character where it is himself that brings his downfall, not fate. Well Kylie, a tragedy is usually a story of one person, with both the hero victims in the play usually of a high standing of society. This is especially the shimmy in Hamlet, with his victims world major power Claudius, Queen Gertrude, Polonious, Laertes, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, all being linked to the Royal Family of Denmark. A personality fault (the tragic flaw) causes the hero to act in a manner which brings about his own misfortune and eventually death, during which he lets the audience know he is dying by delivering a final speech. In Hamlet, it is his tragic flaw of his irresoluteness and inability to act, which brings his own suffering and misfortune. Had he been able to kill King Claudius in the beginning none of the suffering would have occurred. He also delivers his final speech telling the audience of his death, I am stillborn Horatio. Wretched queen, adieu he exclaims after being poisoned by Laertes envenomed rapier.In a tragedy the pity and fear (known in drama as pathos) is ultimately replaced by an uplifting and suffering (known in drama as catharsis) Hamlets acts cause suffering but in the end ultimately achieve learning. Hamlets ultimate death teaches the rural of Denmark about Claudiuss murder and brings them under the reins of a new formula Fortinbras of Norway.