3.1.4

Hamlet's Indecision/Action Taking

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Hamlet's Indecision & Action Taking

The 1948 film version of the play begins with a voiceover which sums up Hamlet’s character: “­This is the tragedy of a man who could not make up his mind”.

Illustrative background for Bradley's view of HamletIllustrative background for Bradley's view of Hamlet ?? "content

Bradley's view of Hamlet

  • This view of Hamlet was popular for many decades - particularly in the first half of the twentieth century because of the influence of critics such as AC Bradley.
    • Bradley argued that Hamlet’s tragic flaw (the weakness which will ultimately lead to the hero’s downfall) was a tendency to overthink which in turn left him reluctant to take action.
Illustrative background for Was Hamlet too slow to act?Illustrative background for Was Hamlet too slow to act? ?? "content

Was Hamlet too slow to act?

  • Hamlet’s soliloquies in Acts 3 and 4 offer some support to this viewpoint, especially when he asks himself if he is a “coward” for not acting sooner.
  • However, Hamlet is a scholar, trained to analyse problems from different angles. Given the almost impossible nature of his task (Kill Claudius but do not hurt Gertrude), it can be difficult to argue how he could have acted more swiftly.
Illustrative background for Hamlet's swift action & courageIllustrative background for Hamlet's swift action & courage ?? "content

Hamlet's swift action & courage

  • Elsewhere in the play, we see Hamlet is perfectly capable of taking swift action.
    • The killing of Polonius shows how reckless and violent he can be when in a highly emotional state.
    • He also consigns Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to death without any feelings of guilt.
  • Hamlet also demonstrates his courage in several moments in the play, particularly when following the Ghost in Act 1, overruling the warnings of his companions.
Illustrative background for Hamlet's decisive turning pointIllustrative background for Hamlet's decisive turning point ?? "content

Hamlet's decisive turning point

  • The decisive turning points in Hamlet’s character come late in the play:
    • His encounter with Fortinbras’ army;
    • His holding the skull of Yorick in the graveyard.
  • After seeing Fortinbras’ troops ready to risk all for a worthless scrap of ground, and in coming ‘face to face’ with Yorick and the inevitability of death, Hamlet becomes more clear-headed and single-minded, resolved to act and accepting of his fate.

Jump to other topics

1Introduction

2Plot Summary

3Character Profiles

4Key Themes

5Writing Techniques

6Context

7Critical Debates

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