Analysis of Hamlet's Character in Act III, Scenes III and IV

This discussion post delves into the character of Hamlet, specifically examining Act III, Scenes III and IV of Shakespeare's play. The analysis explores Hamlet's internal conflicts, motivations, and tragic flaws, highlighting his indecisiveness and philosophical nature. The author examines Hamlet's hesitation to take revenge, his contemplation of mortality, and the contrast between his thoughts and actions. The post also touches upon the theme of revenge, Christian morality, and the impact of Hamlet's character on the audience. The document references critical analyses to support the claims made about the character's complexities and theatrical role.

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Running Head: DISCUSSION ON HAMLET’S CHARACTER WITH FOCUS ON ACT III,
SCENE III AND IV
Discussion on Hamlet’s character with focus on Act iii, Scene iii and iv
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DISCUSSION ON HAMLET’S CHARACTER WITH FOCUS ON ACT III, SCENE III
AND IV
Hamlet is the most theatrical plays of Shakespeare. The words ‘play’ and ‘player’, in
literal and figurative usage identify more in Hamlet than any other plays. In the previous
scene, of Act III, Scene II, as Hamlet questions Gertrude – “Madam, how do you like the
play?”, the audience realises that the only role that Hamlet is capable of playing is the role of
a revenger. Ironically, it is the role he should not play (Kadhim & Ahmed, 2017).
In Act III, Scene III, Hamlet is ready to take his revenge as the player in him has
satisfactorily established the poven his uncle’s sin in the previous scene. While preparing to
act on the plan of murdering Claudius, Hamlet finds him in his knees, praying. Although on
the surface it might seem to the audience that Hamlet wants to wait for a more radical
situation of taking the revenge, in reality is goes beyond the bondage of Chriatian mortality as
he makes an attempt tp damn the soul of his opponent’s soul along with killing him. He also
delays the chance of involving himself in an action with the problem of knowledge (Carson,
Cinpoeş & Foulquie, 2019). This act of Hamlet reveals his desire to know more about the
metaphysical aspect of life after death as the audience has the prior knowledge of Hamlet’s
obession with deep philosophical questions which again let him defer from the act of taking
an action.
The following scene reveals the inability of Hamlet in forming a coordination
between his thoughts and actions which forms to be a major tragic flaw. He evaluates his
deeds as forms of retribution, punishment, as well as vengeance. These two scenes reveal that
the dilemma that is constantly present in the character of Hamlet is ever present and is passed
from the protagonist to the audience.

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DISCUSSION ON HAMLET’S CHARACTER WITH FOCUS ON ACT III, SCENE III
AND IV
Reference
Carson, C., Cinpoeş, N., & Foulquie, G. (2019). Play review: Hamlet.
Kadhim, H. A., & Ahmed, M. A. (2017). The Impact of the Two Murdered Fathers on
Madness and Death of Hamlet and Ophelia.