Explaining Humanistic Themes in Shakespeare's Hamlet

Introduction: The Timeless Tragedy of Hamlet

Hamlet is truly one of the most famous tragedies in the history of world theater. It marked the beginning of Shakespeare's tragic writing period, establishing itself as his most profound historical psychological play. The work reflects the spirit of the era, characterized by the crisis and deadlock of humanistic ideals. Hamlet is a unique character, unparalleled in previous cultures and unlikely to be replicated in the future. He is not only concerned with the duty of revenge and the throne but is also deeply preoccupied with dignity, life, and human existence. The harsh social reality contradicts his ideals, compelling him to reevaluate everything and seek a righteous attitude. This process of assessment and determination leads Hamlet to moments of pain, pessimism, skepticism, hesitation, and contemplation of 'to be or not to be', as well as the decision to 'endure or resist.' Ultimately, Hamlet discovers the truth of the struggle, yet due to loneliness and a lack of vigilance, he falls victim to his enemy's trap. Following the death of his father, who symbolized the Renaissance idealist model, Hamlet finds himself marginalized from life (Shakespeare, 1992).

Exploring Humanistic Themes in Shakespeare's Hamlet

Despite being invited and promised inclusion, Hamlet understands that he does not belong to their world. The games of power, cruelty, deception, and trickery are not his domain. He yearns to find and see another world. It is no coincidence that Shakespeare has Hamlet ponder deeply about the meaning of life and death. According to Hamlet, 'Death is sleep. No more.' However, those who choose death before fulfilling their worldly obligations of fighting for righteousness will not find peace. In that sleep of death, after escaping the physical body, what dreams may come, that cause us to pause and think. It is this uncertainty that prolongs the calamities of life (Shakespeare, 1992). There is another kind of death, though not directly stated by Hamlet, we still understand, 'What is a human being if he reduces his life to mere eating and resting? Just animals, nothing more.' Thus, people must live, and living is synonymous with doing good. 'Living, or not being alive - that's the point.' Is it more noble to endure the slings and arrows of fate or to take up arms against them? Of course, Hamlet would choose the path of 'picking up weapons.' As Hamlet evaluates reality, he experiences moments of pain, pessimism, skepticism, hesitation, and concern. Ultimately, he uncovers the truth of fighting, but his loneliness and lack of vigilance lead to his downfall due to the enemy's trap. The tragedy of Hamlet encompasses numerous themes, such as justice and vengeance, human destiny and the purpose of life, sanity and madness, appearance and reality, love and women, rights and duties as a king, and the corruption of power (Bloom, 2003).

The Moral Dilemma and Tragic Flaws

All of Hamlet's actions are set in motion by the ghost's demand for revenge for his father's unjust murder. The Prince's soul is tormented by questions. Who would not be disturbed upon seeing his mother in the arms of his father's killer? This raises questions about a woman's desires in love after a husband's death. Is devotion to the deceased husband necessary and sacred? From this point, Hamlet's quest for vengeance becomes intertwined with other issues, as he wrestles between affection and reason, between heart and mind. His noble soul does not allow him to act thoughtlessly. The questions that torment him also resonate with contemporary issues, urging a comprehensive judgment. It requires a synthesis of many aspects, and people must see the essence to find solutions. Hamlet sets a moral and talent requirement for the nation's leaders. Those who employ despicable tactics to reach the pinnacle of power must face consequences. It is right and just, a sentiment Hamlet represents on behalf of the people. For instance, when Hamlet feigns insanity, it serves as a perfect disguise, understood by the wise. How do we, in today's world, discern reality amidst so many falsehoods? How do we perceive its essence? The immortality of Shakespeare's compositions lies in his ability to evoke numerous humanistic themes for future generations. These themes, though concealed behind his psychological language, are realized when the reader harmonizes with and understands the author's intent. Hamlet is one of Shakespeare's masterpieces, addressing various issues of human life and relationships (Bradley, 1991).

The Enduring Legacy of Hamlet

Hamlet is a tragic character that embodies Shakespeare's reflection on broken humanity. Yet, Shakespeare did not lose faith in the future. Therefore, Hamlet is not the spokesperson for Shakespeare's entire philosophy. Hamlet did not find the path to escape deadlock and despair. In contemporary world literature, the concept of 'Hamlet syndrome' persists, characterized by reflection and reasoning, but lacking the trust and courage needed for decisive action. Nevertheless, Hamlet lives on in the hearts of readers worldwide, with his life's tragedy reflecting the inevitable contradictions of development and the struggle between beauty and evil in social existence. Hamlet will continue to inspire not only a mood of sadness but also aesthetic emotions, leading readers to contemplate the greatness that exists in a muddied world (Greenblatt, 2004).

References

• Bloom, H. (2003). Shakespeare: The Invention of the Human. Riverhead Books.
• Bradley, A.C. (1991). Shakespearean Tragedy: Lectures on Hamlet, Othello, King Lear, Macbeth. Penguin Books.
• Greenblatt, S. (2004). Will in the World: How Shakespeare Became Shakespeare. W.W. Norton & Company.
• Shakespeare, W. (1992). Hamlet. Oxford University Press.