Central Question of the Play How does an individual react when he develops an obsession with destroying the powerful force ruling his country, yet risks experiencing psychological estrangement, occurring at multiple levels within himself, if he attempts to destroy that force? This is the central question that Shakespeare explores in his play Hamlet, which is a character study of an individual harboring ... just such an obsession, entailing just such a risk. Introduction That Hamlet is obsessed with destroying the powerful force ruling his country (Claudius) is plainly evident in the play. But...

• Word Count: 4590
• Approx Pages: 18
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

... resentments he might have previously harbored towards woman for their "mercurial" emotional nature turns into a full-fledged resentment or hatred. This explains why Hamlet berates Ophelia to the point of driving her insan! e and towards her untimely death. Ophelia serves as a punching bag, representing women in general, which Hamlet attacks as an outlet for his general resentment of women. He also ... likely feel the same). To destroy his mother would be to attack his own identity. Thus, since Hamlet cannot induce his mother to stop loving Claudius by killing her or driving her insane, ...

• Word Count: 3498
• Approx Pages: 14
• Grade Level: High School