Revenge is always a central theme that makes a story
interesting and appealing. A lot of movies and plays have explored the topic of
revenge. Surprisingly, Hamlet, a 16th century play without advanced technology,
is widely recognized as one of the most successful
revenge stories in the industry. As I read the plot of Hamlet for the very
first time, I was amazed by how gripping and riveting the story line is. For
that reason, I would like to carry out an analysis to determine the reasons that score
Hamlet a triumph in the category of revenge story.
According to my
observation, I suggest that the characteristic of Prince Hamlet contributes
significantly to the success of the play. Instead of being a man of marked
individuality, Prince Hamlet is regarded as a
mysterious person. Occasionally, he is thoughtful and contemplative. Suddenly,
he acts rashly and impulsively to avenge the death of his father. For instance,
while Hamlet is straggling with the idea of revenge, he starts a soliloquy between
morality and personal desires. In Act 3, Scene 1,
Hamlet puts it, “To be, or not to be: that is the question: Whether
'tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, or to take arms against a sea of
troubles, and by opposing end them?” However, with a surprising swiftness, two
men are stabbed by Hamlet all of a sudden. The complexity and contradiction in
Hamlet’s personality has made the story line unpredictable. Therefore, a sense of excitement is developed and the dramatic
tension is created throughout the story.
Besides,
a few twists in the plot also make Hamlet an engrossing story. Prince Hamlet’s
hesitation in committing to the act of revenge not only increases the
complexity of the plot but provides a change for audiences to contemplate.
In conclusion,
it is the characteristics of Hamlet and some unexpected features of the story
line make Hamlet not only a triumph but also an immortal work of William Shakespeare.
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