Complexities of the human condition
The complexity of human beings involves the quest to define mortality, relations that limit freedom, and the entire meaning of life. Human beings are intricate creatures that are surrounded by inner conflicts. As they attempt to liberate themselves, there is always an emerging conflict. Literary, conflicts action advance progressively, leading to a tragic ending. Similarly, Shakespeare presents these complexities in the play Hamlet.
Shakespeare has successfully used different literary elements and thematic concerns to convey the complexity of the human condition. First, there is a conflict as a theme that foregrounds human complexities. For example, when Gertrude quickly marries Claudius, a complexity arises. Hamlet becomes more frantic. He is quick to disapprove of their marriage since it’s a disrespect to the king (Shakespeare, 1992). Hamlet is completely enraged and states the contempt of their union. Conversely, this shows the magnitude of conflict inherent in human complexities.
Secondly, soliloquy, as a literary element, portrays human complexities. In Act 1, Scene 1, Hamlet says in the form of a soliloquy, “a beast that wants discourse of reason Would have mourned longer. “Hamlet views their marriage as a disgrace. Furthermore, Hamlet says their union is incest since Claudius is his brother-in-law. He even goes ahead and confirms the contempt of Gertrude’s marriage to Horatio (Shakespeare, 1992). Hamlet shows human complexities in all his soliloquies. Therefore, the use of soliloquy creatively illustrates the complex nature of the thoughts of human beings.
Third, Shakespeare uses illusion as a literary element to convey the complexity of human nature. Act 2 scene ii Hamlet asks all the players to recite about Pyrrhus, Priam, and Hecuba (Shakespeare, 1992). Pyrrhus, for example, is well-known to be the son of Achilles, one of the greatest Warriors in Greek. Pyrrhus decided to kill Priam, who was the king of Troy. Hecuba, who was Priam’s wife, was in total grief. Similarly, Claudius had one common vice, who had quench for king’s blood. Pyrrhus, on the other hand, can be alluded to as Hamlet, who has a clear intention of killing Claudius. Gertrude’s hasty marriage to Claudius can also allude to Hecuba, who inconsolable grief (Nance2019). Therefore, these actions represent the complexities as a result of envy and betrayal.
Fourth, Shakespeare has used symbols to illustrate more complexities. The ghost that keeps appearing to Hamlet symbolizes the future turmoil in Denmark that awaits him. The ghost appears in different scenes instructing Hamlet to avenge the king’s death. The ghost says “foul and most unnatural murder,” the statement appalls to Hamlet. The ghosts give revelation that Claudius is responsible for killing the King. All these complexities show the struggles of human beings. Besides, Hamlet has one mission to avenge the death of the King.
Conversely, revenge is a major thematic concern that shows the complexity of the human condition. The ghost urges Hamlet to avenge the death of the king. Hamlet, on the other hand, does not fail; he kills even the innocent in an attempt to avenge. For example, he kills Polonius thinking its Claudius.
In conclusion, the complexities of human conditions are evident in the play hamlet. Shakespeare has used soliloquy, symbols, and illusion to illustrate human complexity. Besides, he has also used conflict and avenge as a thematic concern. Therefore, Shakespeare has successfully demonstrated that human conditions indeed have complexities.
References
Firouzjaee, H. A., & Pourkalhor, O. (2014). Revisiting Shakespeare: A Study of Human Nature in Hamlet and Macbeth. International Journal of English Literature and Culture, 2(9), 214-221.
Nance, J. V. (2019). Shakespeare, Virgil, and the First Hamlet. Critical Survey, 31(1-2), 113-129.
Shakespeare, W. (1992). The tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark (New Folger’s Ed.). New York: Washington Square Press/Pocket Books
.