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Hamlet can be defined as a tragic hero because his downfall is caused by a weakness within himself and not by external factors - Languages - NSC English HL - Question 10 - 2022 - Paper 2
Question 10
Hamlet can be defined as a tragic hero because his downfall is caused by a weakness within himself and not by external factors. Do you agree with this statement? Ju... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Hamlet can be defined as a tragic hero because his downfall is caused by a weakness within himself and not by external factors - Languages - NSC English HL - Question 10 - 2022 - Paper 2
Step 1
Do you agree with this statement?
Answer
I agree that Hamlet can be defined as a tragic hero due to his inherent weaknesses that ultimately lead to his downfall. From the outset, Hamlet is depicted as a character full of potential and integrity. Yet, his intellectual sensitivities often hinder him from acting decisively.
Initially, he mourns his father's death deeply and is disturbed by his mother's hasty remarriage to Claudius, which showcases his emotional depth. His reaction to this turmoil illustrates that his internal struggles contribute significantly to his tragic fate. He allows his philosophical contemplations about life and death to paralyze him, which is evident in his soliloquies where he questions his existence and the morality of his actions.
Moreover, the ghost serves as a catalyst for his revenge, yet Hamlet's procrastination becomes a critical weakness. He repeatedly recognizes this flaw, exclaiming that he is 'almost blunted' in purpose. This self-awareness, while admirable, ultimately exacerbates his tragic flaw, leading him to miss opportunities that could have changed the course of events.
Hamlet's relationships also suffer due to his indecision. His interactions with characters like Laertes and Fortinbras emphasize his contemplative nature, contrasting with their decisive actions. Laertes takes immediate steps to avenge his father's murder, showcasing a stark difference between his resolute character and Hamlet’s wavering mindset.
As the plot progresses, Hamlet’s contemplation becomes vindictive, particularly when he fails to act against Claudius when initially presented with the opportunity. This not only shows his incapacity to act but transforms his intent into a quest for revenge, marking a pivotal moment in his character's decline.
In conclusion, while Hamlet is indeed capable of great thought and potential, it is his inner weaknesses that propel his tragic journey. His inability to reconcile his thoughts with action defines him as a tragic hero, leading to a chain of events that ends in his demise, ultimately aligned with the tragic hero archetype.
Step 2
Justify your response by close reference to the text.
Answer
A close analysis of the text reveals multiple instances where Hamlet's weaknesses are clearly illustrated, reinforcing the notion of him being a tragic hero. In Act 1, Scene 5, the ghost of King Hamlet ignites within him a desperate need for revenge, yet it is this very directive that leads to his paralysis. Hamlet admits, 'The time is out of joint. O cursed spite, that ever I was born to set it right.' Here, he acknowledges the burden of his fate, which he feels unworthy to bear.
Furthermore, Hamlet's procrastination intensifies his tragedy. In Act 3, Scene 3, he hesitates to kill Claudius during prayer, rationalizing this inaction with the belief that he would be sending Claudius to heaven, contrasting with his father's eternal damnation. This moment encapsulates his tragic flaw—an intense moral compass that, while commendable, leads to his downfall.
In his exchanges with Ophelia, he oscillates between love and cruelty, contributing to Ophelia's eventual madness and death. His conflicted feelings exacerbate his isolation, culminating in the tragic events of the final act where the death toll mounts, including his own.
Ultimately, Shakespeare constructs Hamlet's character as a nuanced tragic hero, plagued by internal struggles that shape his narrative and lead to catastrophic outcomes.