Shakespeare's "Hamlet".

"It is the circumstances beyond a man's control brought into a critical relationship with his weakness, be it a vice or a virtue, which precipitates the tragedy."

Show how the circumstances in which the hero finds himself develop beyond his control. Go on to identify the hero's "weakness" and show how, when these circumstances and that weakness are brought together, a tragic outcome becomes inevitable.

In "Hamlet", written by Shakespeare, the protagonist finds himself in circumstances which begin to get out of his control. The audience watch how he deals with these circumstances, and see a new weakness in the character emerge, which, in conjunction with the changing circumstances, leads to the play's tragic end.

In the beginning of the play, it becomes evident to the audience that Hamlet is an intellectual, believing in planning and thinking out his actions carefully. He in a situation in which his mother has married the brother of his late father: something which he is in deep disapproval of.

David Garrick in Hamlet, I, 4

Book signing and Hamlet Au's interview with Julian...

Hamlet

He acts coldly towards Claudius, refusing to speak to him where possible. However, once he is left on his own, the audience see him burst into a heartfelt soliloquy about how he wishes that "this too too sullied flesh would melt". The declaration of a death wish as the opening of the speech shows a desperation in the title character. He is in despair and seems to lack sense at times during the monologue.

However, as soon as other characters enter, Hamlet quickly covers his anguishing soul in a façade, acting in total contrast from the way he was before. He seems cool and professional immediately. This shows the control he has at present over the way others see him.

Circumstances change when Hamlet is told that Claudius was responsible for the murder of...