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Hamlet and the Problem of Delay

 

            William Shakespeare's "Hamlet" is categorized as a tragedy for its elements of violence, despair and death. The conflict driving the plot of the play revolves around the very sinful act of murder, which is to be performed by the protagonist. Hamlet is summoned by an apparition to avenge his father's death by inflicting the same destiny onto his murderer, Hamlet's uncle. However the conflict goes unresolved for five acts and Hamlet's inaction throughout the play has called for great speculation. There is no clear reason given for his delay, but evidence suggests that the reasons for Hamlet's delay are a result of his indecision and uncertainty. Three of the speculated theories are thus that Hamlet is morally conflicted, doubtful of the ghost's integrity, and flawed by his philosophical nature. .
             One hindrance to Hamlet's ability to correspond to the ghost is his morality. He is unable to justify the act of murder on the basis of his religious beliefs, which undermine much of his initial concerns. Hamlet often thinks about the afterlife and the quality of a person's afterlife as defined by the consequences of their choices. He himself contemplates committing suicide and wishes that "the Everlasting had not fix'd his canon 'gainst self- slaughter!" "(1.2.131-132). This shows a struggle within Hamlet. While he detests the conditions of his life and wishes he could end it, he concludes that he would rather continue living in "an unweeded garden than live in hell as a consequence of suicide" (1.2.125). In the same way, Hamlet wants to avenge his father's death yet desires to carry it out in a moral and accepting way. Therefore Hamlet's awareness of morals is apparent, and there is an obvious impossibility of murder within these morals. .
             This first theory however, proves inconsistent because Hamlet's morality is compromised by his madness. As the play progresses, Hamlet becomes overly enthused by his vengeful quest that he begins to behave and think in a violent manner.


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