How Does Hamlet Change Over Time

William Shakespeare's play, "Hamlet," is this classic piece that really dives into the ups and downs of human nature. It also shows what happens when you just don't act. Hamlet, the main dude, goes through all sorts of changes during the story. At first, he's this grieving young prince, full of doubts. But by the end? He's laser-focused on revenge. This essay's gonna take a closer look at how Hamlet changes, seeing how everything he goes through affects his beliefs, actions, and where he ends up.

Hamlet's Initial State of Grief and Indecision

When we first meet Hamlet, he's not in a great place. His dad just died, and his mom married his uncle Claudius way too soon after. He's totally grieving and can't decide what to do next. You can feel his pain in his speech in Act I, Scene ii, where he even thinks about suicide and questions life itself. It's kinda heavy stuff. And then there's the ghost of his dad dropping a bombshell about being murdered. That's when Hamlet starts thinking about justice.

His confusion gets worse because of how others treat him, like Ophelia and Horatio. Ophelia turning him down makes him feel betrayed and kinda paranoid about everyone else too. But Horatio? That guy's solid—always there for him as a friend who gets it. These different relationships mess with Hamlet's head but also push him toward change.

The Shift from Grief to Feigned Madness

As things move along, Hamlet’s grief sort of morphs into madness—or at least that’s what he wants people to think with his “antic disposition.” Acting crazy gives him room to figure out other folks' true motives without them catching on. You can see this shift big time in Act III, Scene i with his whole "To be or not to be" thing. While pretending insanity shields him from danger somewhat, it also traps him in indecision.

The problem is that acting nuts doesn't help Hamlet actually do something about Claudius—even though he knows Claudius is guilty! He hesitates a lot, like when he could kill Claudius while praying but holds back because he’s conflicted inside about morals and stuff. These inner battles keep him stuck in place longer than anyone wants—including himself.

Embracing the Role of the Avenger

Toward the end though? That’s when things heat up for real; Hamlet finally steps up as an avenger looking for payback against those who've wronged him (cough *Claudius* cough). Meeting Fortinbras lights something under him—the way this Norwegian prince risks it all for glory makes Hamlet rethink what he’s doing with his own life.

You see his determination come out during key showdowns—with Gertrude or Laertes—and these moments force him face-to-face with consequences from dragging feet earlier on choices made or paths taken…all leading towards accepting whatever may happen next after embracing revenge fully now instead hesitating anymore before striking down enemies once-&-for-all!

Conclusion

If we sum everything up: watching how much someone can change like Hamlet does here—it hits hard sometimes realizing even deepest parts ourselves might evolve given right (or wrong) circumstances thrown our way! From starting off lost-in-grief unsure-of-self spiraling through bouts fake-insanity until reaching focused point willing exact vengeance no matter cost—isn't only fascinating character study but timely reminder weighing decisions carefully since they shape futures endlessly affected thereafter ultimately determining destinies locked forevermore beyond immediate grasp alone regardless intentions aimed forward ultimately hoping better horizons emerge anew following conclusions reached eventually amidst turmoil surrounding lives touched ongoing indefinitely...

References:

• Shakespeare, William. "Hamlet." Folger Shakespeare Library Edition.
• Mowat, Barbara A., & Werstine, Paul (Eds.). "The Tragedy of Hamlet." Washington Square Press.
• Pritchard, R.E., "Shakespeare: Texts and Contexts," Routledge.
• Muir, Kenneth, "Shakespeare’s Tragic Sequence," Hutchinson University Library.
• Kastan, David Scott (Ed.), "A Companion to Shakespeare," Blackwell Publishers.