Interpreting Hamlet: Unraveling a Complex Character

William Shakespeare's play "Hamlet" has been pulling in audiences for ages with its twisty plot and characters that just keep on giving. There's loads to unpack when you look at Hamlet, especially if you're diving deep into what makes him tick. In this essay, we're gonna look at some different takes on the play and try to figure out what's going on with Hamlet himself.

The Interpretation of Hamlet: a Complex Character Unraveled

Hamlet's Indecisiveness: A Psychological Perspective

So, here's the thing about Hamlet – he can't seem to make up his mind. Like, ever. Some folks think this indecision comes from stuff going on in his head. Freud, for instance, had this idea about an Oedipus complex where Hamlet's got these mixed-up feelings about his mom and dad, which messes with his head. According to Freud’s theory, it's why he drags his feet when it comes to dealing with Claudius. This way of looking at it kind of shows us that maybe it's not so much a flaw as it is some serious psychological drama.

Plus, if you think about it, Hamlet spends a lot of time moping around, right? He's always talking about how bummed out he is in those soliloquies of his. That sadness? It messes with him big time and stops him from doing what needs to be done. It's like he's frozen because of all these heavy emotions.

Hamlet's Feigned Madness: A Strategic Approach

Now let's switch gears a bit. Another angle is that Hamlet isn't really nuts but is just acting like it on purpose. His strange antics make everyone around him think he's lost it. But guess what? Some scholars say it's all part of his plan – a clever trick to throw people off and gather intel without anyone suspecting a thing.

If you buy into this theory, then Hamlet’s wild behavior is basically camouflage. It lets him watch and learn from the sidelines. When he messes with folks like Polonius or Ophelia by acting totally bonkers, it's really about getting the info he needs for payback time later on.

This take on things adds another layer to who Hamlet is – showing that beneath all that chaos there's a sharp mind at work. It's less about losing grip and more about playing the long game.

Hamlet's Tragic Heroism: A Moral Dilemma

The moral stuff going on in "Hamlet" can’t be ignored either; it's central to everything happening here. Some argue that what holds back our guy isn't fear but rather his own ethical standards keeping him from avenging dear old dad by whacking Claudius outright.

This interpretation paints Hamlet as someone noble yet torn apart inside over doing what's right versus taking vengeance fast-track style without thinking twice! Moments where we see him hesitate during prayer scenes or toy with suicidal thoughts speak volumes too — shedding light upon conflicted feelings over whether revenge justifies such heavy costs morally-speaking...so yeah...a pretty complex dude!

Conclusion

In wrapping things up here: understanding "Hamlet" goes beyond simple reads—it dives deep into psychology (like how unresolved issues affect decisions), sneaky strategies involving pretend madness schemes meant solely deceiving foes left-right-and-center cleverly enough while grappling internal morality battles fighting tooth-nail along way every step taken forward...

Diverse interpretations help illuminate different facets making up one-of-a-kind masterpiece timelessly fascinating till today & tomorrow—constantly drawing us closer towards seeing humanity reflected within its pages even amidst chaos lurking behind every word uttered within those lines themselves!

References

1. Bloom, H. (2005). "Bloom's Modern Critical Interpretations." Chelsea House Publications.
2. Eagleton, T. (2007). "How To Read Literature." Yale University Press.
3. Lacan, J., & Fink, B. (1998). "The Seminar of Jacques Lacan: The Ethics of Psychoanalysis." W.W Norton & Co Inc.
4. Mack, M., & Dawson Books Ltd (1984). "Everybody's Shakespeare." University Nebraska Press.
5. Kastan, D.S (2013). "A Will To Believe: Shakespeare And Religion." Oxford University Press UK - Academic Division/OUP Oxford/OUP USA/Oxford Scholarly Editions Online/Oxford World's Classics/Clarendon Law Series etcetera...