Essay on The Link Between Hamlet and Renaissance Ideals

Shakespeare was one of England’s most accomplished playwrights (Fiero 27). Shakespeare has always been able to transform the most controversial of characters and make the audience feel deep sympathy and compassion towards them. He does this for example in his play Hamlet (Oakes 68). Hamlet displays the ideals of the Renaissance through his indecisiveness and uncertainty much like the Catholics who questioned their religious beliefs. Shakespeare’s Hamlet is a true depiction of the indistinctiveness of beliefs after the Reformation. After the murder of his father, King Hamlet, Prince Hamlet sees his father’s ghost. His father’s ghost tells Hamlet he must avenge his death (Fiero 27). He also reveals to Hamlet that it was his Uncle†¦show more content†¦It is easy to how Hamlet becomes confused as to the existence of a Purgatory. Because if in fact he did see this ghost it is a possibility that there really is a Purgatory (Oakes 62). If a Purgatory is actually nonexistent then Hamlet believes the vision of the ghost is the work of the devil. As I mentioned before Hamlet questions the idea that his father’s ghost exists. In Act II, Scene II Hamlet says: â€Å"The spirit that I have seen may be the devil, and the devil hath power. T’assume a pleasing shape, yea, and perhaps, out of my weakness and my melancholy, as he is very potent with such spirits, abuses me to damn me† (Petition Act II Scene II). He explain that it could be the devil trying to talk him in to committing a sin in order to send his soul into eternal damnation and it is quite obvious why he believes this is the case (Oakes 62, 63). Other examples of Hamlets indecisiveness is expressed through his question â€Å"To be, or not to be, that is the question† (Fiero 28). Hamlet expresses his inner struggle of a decision whether to commit suicide or not (Fiero 28). It seems that in Hamlet’s soliloquy he believes it would be nobler to end his life. However it expresses a struggle for him because of his worries of an uncertain afterlife. In his soliloquy he says â€Å"But that the dread of something after death† (Fiero 28). I take this statement to mean that he believes if he were to take his life it isShow MoreRelatedIn drama Hamlet, Shakespeare showed Hamlet in war for women. In the family, the son is Hamlet2300 Words   |  10 PagesIn drama Hamlet, Shakespeare showed Hamlet in war for women. In the family, the son is Hamlet whose wish is suppressed both by his spiritual father (Superego) and by his corporeal father and whose Ego is torn between two fathers as between his good angel and his bad angel. 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