Hamlet is Neither Inert nor Backward when Achieving his Objectives

Abstract

This study examines Hamlet as an introspective character who has the ability to astutely observe the reality in the world, analyze and examine every nuance of the unique situations he encounters. Hamlet is the greatest tragedy created by the poet-dramatist Shakespeare. The pain generated by his mother’s betrayal towards the memory of his father makes Hamlet seek revenge from his uncle/ stepfather Claudius. Further, he wants to know whether his mother had a hand in the murder. Thus, Hamlet’s main concern is to construct a plan for making his uncle reveal his involvement in the king’s murder. Though Hamlet seems to lack the power to act until he has evidence of his uncle’s guilt, in reality he is in the process of identifying a cause-effect relationship. Hamlet is not an inert character but is intelligent and fearlessly tries to achieve his objective of identifying and punishing the murder of his father. Once he has obtained the true knowledge of Claudius’ evil nature, he is able to act. Thus Hamlet, in the era he lives, is progressive, has an investigative eye and shatters the manacles that prevent justice. In the process of obtaining vengeance against Claudius, Hamlet strategically instructs a band of traveling players to act out the murder scene. When Claudius does react in a guilty manner, Hamlet is convinced about his guilt. This study, analyzing the above and many other instances, argues that Hamlet is not lethargic but has the ability to take immediate action using his sharp intellect.