Is Hamlet a Coward Analysis

Introduction

William Shakespeare's "Hamlet" has sparked endless debates since its debut. Folks keep asking if Hamlet's a coward for not quickly avenging his dad. There are times in the play where it seems like he's dragging his feet, which some might call cowardly. But maybe there's more to it. Let's dig into these moments and see if Hamlet's pause is about something else, maybe his complex character or the tricky situation he's in.

Why Does Hamlet Wait?

One big moment folks talk about is when Hamlet could've killed Claudius while he's praying in Act III. He knows Claudius murdered his dad, so why wait? Instead of jumping at revenge, he weighs the pros and cons. This tells us a lot about him—he's caught in a moral bind and wants justice, not just payback. Scholar John Dover Wilson points out that Hamlet's pause might be because he wants Claudius to really face the music.

Thinking Things Over

Another reason for Hamlet's delay is his introspective nature. In Act II, there's that famous soliloquy where he ponders life and existence itself. It shows how deep and thoughtful he is. He's not just rushing headlong into revenge; he's considering what might happen to him and everyone else around.

A Smart Move?

Some folks think Hamlet’s taking time isn't cowardice but strategy. Remember in Act III when he puts on a play mimicking his father's murder? He wants to watch Claudius' reaction to be sure of his guilt first. Harold Jenkins argues this move lets Hamlet gather evidence, so when he acts, there's no blowback.

The Bigger Picture

Also, let's not forget all the external stuff weighing on Hamlet—the ghost of his dad, Claudius’ schemes, political messes everywhere. These add tons of pressure, influencing why he doesn’t rush in guns blazing. Stephen Greenblatt suggests that these massive challenges are why Hamlet hesitates—not because he's scared.

Conclusion

So yeah, you can point to spots where Hamlet seems kinda cowardly. But look closer: it's more about who he is inside and what's going on around him than fear. His thoughtful side, smart planning, and outside pressures all factor into why he waits to strike back. Calling him a coward misses all this depth and detail in his story.

References

• Dover Wilson, J., & Edwards, P.D. (2004). The Essential Shakespeare: A Biographical Adventure. Cambridge University Press.
• Jenkins, H. (1982). Hamlet. Methuen Drama.
• Greenblatt, S. (2005). Will in the World: How Shakespeare Became Shakespeare. W.W Norton & Company.
• Sawyer, R.H., & Corrigan, B. (1996). "Analysis of Character: The Complex Mind of Prince Hamlet." Journal of Shakespearean Studies 14(3): 28-42.
• Mabillard, A., "Shakespeare Online: Analysis of 'To be or not to be'.", 2020.