Hamlet's Hesitations

Essay by lametrainHigh School, 11th gradeA, June 2005

download word file, 3 pages 1.0

Downloaded 16 times

Throughout the entire play, Hamlet is plagued with obstacles that stand in the way of him completing his goals. He has many fatal defects in his character traits, like his indecisiveness and tendency to impede action. He also acts too recklessly sometimes and is extremely narcissistic. These are all struggles that Hamlet attempts to live with while dealing with his countless predicaments.

When confronted with a problem, Hamlet usually acts rashly or does not act at all. In times where his impulsive and decisive behaviour is needed he tends to ruminate. He evaluates his circumstances too much when he is given time to do so. An example of this is during the scene where Hamlet walks in on Claudius kneeling in prayer, Hamlet realizes that "now 'a is a-praying" he can murder Claudius right at that instant. Instead, Hamlet slowly talks himself out of killing Claudius, wanting to choose a more suitable moment where Claudius is not expressing his repentance to God.

He thinks that if Claudius has the ability to pray then it means he will go to heaven if he is slain. Hamlet is playing God by trying to decide where Claudius will go when he dies, this is a definite indication of how corrupt Hamlet has become. He does all of this because he wants Claudius to suffer just like his father did, so Hamlet decides that he will kill him "When he is drunk asleep, or in his rage," so that Claudius is caught committing a sinful act and will be sent straight to hell.

In contrast, when his thoughtful and pensive manner is most appropriate he takes action immediately. His spontaneity and speedy decisions have caused him turmoil and inconveniences instead of resolving his issues. A situation where Hamlet proceeds too hastily is when...