... critical study. By considering the key notions of the play, we can explore ideas pertinent to the human condition such as, corruption, human empowerment and personal integrity. Throughout "Hamlet," Shakespeare gives us sharp literary images of death, decay, rot, and corruption. Imperfection is innate to the human condition and it is exemplified in ... character's mysteries. However, just as critical interpretations gain favor throughout history, Gertrude's perceived corruption can be validly interpreted as motivated solely by sincere innate human desire. She acts as Hamlet's foil regardin...

• Word Count: 875
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: Graduate

... foil characters. This element created by Shakespeare helped the readers better understand the depth and mystery of their characters as they are indirectly compared and contrasted throughout the play. Hence, all striking similarities and sharply contrasted differences are not a mere co-incidence. Hamlet and Laertes are compared to each ... way when they saw Ophelia's corpse in the grave. One major difference, though, is that the audience was never really sure of the trueness of Hamlet's feelings for Ophelia until the end of the play when he said "I lov'd Ophelia: forty thousand brothers ...

• Word Count: 777
• Approx Pages: 3
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Graduate

... of authority and power, and men who kept the agency and influence to direct the outcome of events. Nevertheless, the careful reader notices a curious trend in many of Shakespeare's plays: many of Shakespeare's female characters exercise a rather great deal of delicate forms of power and influence, and often do so in unusual and even subversive ways that challenge traditional gender roles. Although ... action as well as some of the most complex characters overall. Some of the most interesting female characters in Shakespeare's writing are Hermia in A Midsummer Night's Dream, Viola and Ol...

• Word Count: 2208
• Approx Pages: 9
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Graduate