A Study of Human Complexity

What makes us human? This is a question that has fascinated philosophers, poets, and artists for centuries. One of the most brilliant and insightful answers to this question can be found in William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”, a masterpiece of literature that transcends time and culture. In this tragedy, we follow the journey of Hamlet, a prince who faces a series of challenges that test his character, morality, and sanity. Through various literary devices such as metaphors, similes, irony, sarcasm, characterization, soliloquies, and moments of madness and humor, Shakespeare reveals the complexity of human nature in all its glory and misery.

Hamlet’s Inner Turmoil

The core of “Hamlet” is the inner turmoil that torments its protagonist. Hamlet’s inner conflicts are expressed through metaphors and similes that capture his emotions and thoughts. He compares his situation to a “rotten garden” that needs to be cleaned, showing his disgust at the corruption that infects his family and kingdom. He also contrasts life and death, describing life as a “sea of troubles” and death as a “desirable end”. These comparisons show his deep desire to end his suffering and dilemmas by killing himself.

Hamlet’s Attitude and Behavior

Hamlet’s attitude and behavior towards those he considers deceitful or corrupt are full of irony and sarcasm. He shows this when he vows to kill Claudius while the king is praying. He pretends that he delays his revenge because he fears that Claudius will go to heaven instead of hell, sarcastically mocking the king’s fake piety. He also mocks Polonius, whom he calls a “fishmonger”, suggesting that he is a pimp who exploits his daughter Ophelia’s relationship with Claudius.

Hamlet’s Contradictions

The character of Hamlet is full of contradictions. He struggles with the existential dilemma and he says,

“....suffer

The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune

Or to take arms against a sea of troubles..”

This internal conflict shows his constant wavering between passivity and action that defines his journey. As the story progresses, Hamlet changes from a passive and doubtful person to one who is active and faithful to his cause.

Hamlet’s Conflicts

Hamlet’s conflicts are exposed through soliloquies and asides that reveal his inner thoughts and feelings. He expresses his wish to escape the pain of his father’s death and mother’s hasty remarriage when he imagines his flesh melting away like dew. He shows his anger at the corruption within his family and kingdom when he says that

"..something is rotten in the state of Denmark."

He explains his decision to postpone avenging his father’s murder until he can “catch the conscience of the king” through a play, showing his inner turmoil and need for proof.

Hamlet’s Unpredictability

Perhaps one of Hamlet’s most fascinating qualities is his unpredictability, which comes out through moments of madness and humor. Hamlet switches between sanity and madness, sometimes talking to himself, insulting others, or even playing with a skull. This madness serves as both a disguise and a sign of his inner turmoil, hiding or revealing his true intentions and emotions. Hamlet also uses humor as a way of coping and communicating, using jokes, puns, and witty remarks to deal with his difficult situations and show his intelligence and insight.

Conclusion

Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” is an eternal exploration of the complex aspects of the human condition. Through the character of Hamlet, Shakespeare uses a rich array of literary devices to uncover the maze of emotions, thoughts, challenges, and interactions that shape humanity. As we immerse ourselves in this timeless work of art, we are challenged to examine our own complexities, inviting self-discovery into the depths that shape our very identity. “Hamlet” skillfully portrays and celebrates the beauty, chaos, and profundity of being human, echoing with generations of readers.