That is what makes him a villain of genius. However, he is also intensely charismatic, so much so that he has persuaded the world to share his Hamlet-centric view. In short, Hamlet is a self-centred, entitled, manipulative, callous bully. That I have utter’d: bring me to the test,Īnd I the matter will re-word which madnessīy the end of the play, Hamlet has not only ruined his own life and those of his family and friends, but freely given away his country to a foreign power – the very thing his admired father had struggled so hard to prevent. My pulse, as yours, doth temperately keep time,Īnd makes as healthful music: it is not madness That excuse would carry more weight had Hamlet not persuasively told his mother the opposite within moments of the killing: ![]() Indeed, this is his explanation to Laertes for the death of Polonius (“Was’t Hamlet wrong’d Laertes? Never Hamlet”). ![]() The usual excuse made for Hamlet is that many of these deeds are committed when he is of unsound mind. Despite this hyperbolic protestation, he never again mentions or alludes to Ophelia from that moment on, let alone expressing regret at her death. When he takes a few lines to mourn at her graveside, Hamlet (whose self-absorbed soliloquies have already filled many pages) is outraged that the focus of attention should be on anyone else even for eight lines (“What is he whose grief/ Bears such an emphasis?”) and declares, on the basis of no evidence that we have seen, that he loved Ophelia 40,000 times more than her brother. Laertes, like Hamlet, has a murdered father, as well as a sister driven to suicide. It affects Ophelia’s sanity, starting a downfall caused by his tragic flaw and moral dilemma.Set design for shakespeare’s Hamlet by Georgian artist Dimitri Tavadze. The prince kills Polonius by accident, which enhances his madness. He hides behind the curtain and observes Gertrude and Hamlet interacting, looking for signs of insanity. In need of more evidence, Polonius plots another plan. To further prove Hamlet’s madness, he explains his findings to the king and queen. He is the one who causes an irreversible chain of events that lead to an unhappy ending. Then she denies him the visits to her room, separating from a loved one altogether.ĭespite Polonius’ efforts to protect his family and others from Hamlet, he fails. Per his request, she sends all Hamlet’s letters back. That might be the reason why she agrees to follow Polonius’ directions. Her father is in charge of her life decision. It pushes both Ophelia and Hamlet into the realm of depression.Īs apparent from this portion of the play, Ophelia appears to be naïve and lacks control over her own life. As an obedient daughter, she complies, which saddens her even further. Thus, as the story progresses, the lord limits Ophelia from seeing, writing, and talking to Hamlet. He claims that she is deceived by his untrue statements and obsession only driven by his impulse. Yet, he mocks Ophelia for her feelings towards an unstable man. To his son, Laertes, he expresses concerns about Hamlet’s obsession and discusses his findings and evidence. It is notable how differently Polonius approaches the topic of Hamlet’s insanity with his children. He demands it to sustain her dignity and safety. However, it foreshadows some future plot transformations.Īs a result of the belief in Hamlet’s madness, lord Polonius forbids his daughter to interact with him. The prince’s plan to pretend to be mad is successful. Such violent actions and the daughter’s shock persuade Polonius to believe in Hamlet’s insanity. The prince came to her room in dirty clothes, as if “he had been loosed out of hell.” He shook Ophelia in the act of overreaction without saying a word. After her speech, he becomes confident in Hamlet’s insanity. The final evidence for Polonius is how Ophelia describes one of his peculiar visits. It can lead people to lose their minds, which highlights Hamlet’s tragic flaw. He claims that love is a self-destructive and brutal emotion. He assumes that this heightened, even depressive reaction is provoked by a heartbreak. Polonius observes how the main character struggles when she rejects him. Language reiterates her being used as a pawn. Polonius: ‘I’ll loose my daughter to him’ Polonius decides to send Ophelia to Hamlet. ![]() Wise maxim which he himself does not follow. The prince suffers from the firm, allegedly unhealthy feelings towards his daughter, Ophelia. Polonius claims that speaking concisely is the basis of true wit, intelligence. Throughout the play, he is confident in the emotional sickness of Hamlet comes from his feelings. ![]() As a result, he forbids his daughter to communicate with the prince for her safety and dignity.įirstly, Polonius is so sure of Hamlet’s insanity that he forbids his daughter to communicate with him. The main reason why Polonius thinks that Hamlet is mad is because of his obsessive love for Ophelia.
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