Analysis of Hamlet's Change in "Hamlet"

From the start of Shakespeare's famous play "Hamlet," we see the main character, Hamlet, go through a big change. In this essay, we'll look at the different ways Hamlet changes throughout the play. We'll check out his character development, his emotions, and his actions. By seeing how Hamlet's personality and behavior shift, we can get a better grip on his complicated nature and the big impact his experiences have on him. How does Hamlet change throughout the play, and what does that mean? This question will guide us as we dive into Hamlet's journey in Shakespeare's classic tragedy.

Hamlet's Initial State and His Transformation

At the beginning of the play, Hamlet is shown as a young prince mourning his dad's death, the former king. He's sad and thoughtful, even thinking about suicide and the meaning of life. But as the play goes on, we see a big change in him. Hamlet gets more and more obsessed with revenge against his uncle, Claudius, who married his mom and took the throne. This need for revenge pushes Hamlet to change a lot, both in his mind and feelings, as he deals with the complicated world around him.

The Transformation of Hamlet's Emotional State

One of the biggest changes in Hamlet is his emotional state. At first, he's full of grief and sadness, struggling to find peace in the world. But when he finds out about his dad's murder and the truth behind it, his emotions turn into anger and rage. You can see this change in Act 1, Scene 5, when Hamlet shouts, "O villain, villain, smiling, damned villain!" (1.5.106). This outburst shows how deep his anger is towards his uncle and sets the scene for his change from a sad prince to a determined avenger.

As Hamlet pretends to be mad, his emotions get even more unstable. He fakes madness to trick his enemies and learn their secrets. But this fake madness starts to take over him, making it hard to tell what's real and what's not. In Act 3, Scene 4, Hamlet yells at his mom, Queen Gertrude, in a rage, saying, "Nay, I know not. Is it the king?" (3.4.28). This scene shows how his mental state is falling apart and how much his emotions are controlling him.

Hamlet's Actions and Their Implications

Along with his emotional changes, Hamlet's actions also change a lot during the play. At first, he's unsure and hesitant, doubting his ability to get revenge for his dad. But as the play goes on, Hamlet becomes more confident and active in seeking justice. In Act 3, Scene 3, he has a perfect chance to kill Claudius but doesn't, fearing he might send Claudius's soul to heaven. This moment shows Hamlet's moral struggle and his growing awareness of the consequences of his actions.

Hamlet's change is also clear in his strategic planning and manipulation of others. He uses his fake madness to gather info and trick his enemies, eventually leading to his revenge. In Act 4, Scene 2, he sets up a play within the play, called "The Mousetrap," to reveal Claudius's guilt. This smart move shows his new cunning and skill in manipulating those around him. Hamlet's actions not only show his transformation but also highlight how complex his character is and his ability to adapt to his situations.

Conclusion

In the end, Hamlet's change throughout the play is deep and complex. From being sad and thoughtful at the start, he turns into a determined avenger, driven by his need for justice. His emotions swing from despair to anger to madness, showing the turmoil inside him. His actions change from hesitation to confidence and manipulation, showing his growth as a character. Hamlet's transformation gives us a rich look into themes of revenge, morality, and the complicated nature of humans. By studying these changes, we get a deeper understanding of Shakespeare's classic tragedy and the lasting relevance of Hamlet's journey.