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It is Nice to Read Hamlet for its Universality of Emotions: A Masterpiece by Shakespeare

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Tariq Mahmood Awan

Hamlet is widely regarded as a masterpiece of drama for several reasons. First, it showcases Shakespeare’s remarkable skill in crafting complex and compelling characters, especially the protagonist, Hamlet, one of the most fascinating and multifaceted figures in literature. Hamlet is a tragic hero who struggles with the dilemma of whether to avenge his father’s murder or to obey his moral conscience. He is also a reflective and philosophical thinker who contemplates some of the most profound questions of existence, such as the meaning of life and death, the nature of madness and sanity, and the role of fate and free will. Hamlet’s character development is revealed through his soliloquies, among English literature’s most recognized and influential speeches.

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Second, Hamlet demonstrates Shakespeare’s mastery of language and style, which enriches the play’s themes and emotions. Shakespeare uses a variety of literary devices, such as metaphors, similes, puns, allusions, irony, and imagery, to create vivid and memorable expressions that have become part of the common lexicon. For example, phrases such as “to be or not to be”, “the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune”, “something is rotten in the state of Denmark”, and “the rest is silence” are all derived from Hamlet. Shakespeare also employs different verses and prose to suit other characters and situations, such as blank verse for noble speeches, rhymed verse for comic or supernatural scenes, and prose for low or mad characters.
Third, Hamlet explores universal themes that resonate with audiences across time and culture. The play deals with revenge, justice, morality, loyalty, family, love, betrayal, corruption, power, and mortality. These themes are relevant to human experience in any historical or social context and provoke deep and lasting responses from the viewers or readers. Hamlet also invites multiple interpretations and perspectives, as it does not offer a clear or definitive answer to any of the questions it raises. Instead, it challenges the audience to form their own opinions and judgments based on the evidence and arguments presented by the characters. The play also questions the notion of objectivity, as it shows how reality can be manipulated and distorted by language, emotions, biases, and illusions.
Hamlet is a drama masterpiece because it combines Shakespeare’s artistic excellence in creating a complex and captivating character, a rich and expressive language, and a profound and universal exploration of human nature. The play has been widely admired and influential in literature and culture for centuries, inspiring and challenging new generations of audiences.

The plot of Hamlet is a complex and intricate web of deception, revenge, madness, and mortality. It follows the form of a revenge tragedy, in which the hero, Hamlet, seeks vengeance against his father’s murderer, his uncle Claudius, now the king of Denmark. However, Hamlet’s quest is complicated by his doubts, feigned madness, relationship with Ophelia, and the interference of other characters. The plot also involves several subplots, such as the political conflict between Denmark and Norway, the spying and scheming of Polonius and his children, and the appearance of a troupe of actors. The plot reaches its climax when Hamlet stages a play to test Claudius’s guilt and then confronts his mother in her chamber, accidentally killing Polonius. This sets off a chain of events that leads to the deaths of most of the major characters, including Hamlet himself.

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The theme of Hamlet is the question of how to act in a corrupt and uncertain world. Hamlet struggles with the dilemma of whether to avenge his father’s murder or to obey his Christian morals. He also faces the challenge of finding meaning and purpose in a world devoid of both. Hamlet explores various aspects of human nature, such as madness, the role of fate and free will, the power of words and language, the value of life and death, and the nature of appearance and reality. The characterization of Hamlet is one of the most complex and fascinating in literature. Hamlet is a dynamic character who undergoes a dramatic transformation throughout the play. He starts as a grief-stricken, melancholic prince haunted by his father’s ghost. He then becomes a cunning and witty schemer who pretends to be mad to deceive his enemies. He also shows moments of passion, anger, violence, tenderness, and humour. He is a reflective and philosophical thinker who contemplates some of the most profound questions of existence. He is also a tragic hero who suffers from a fatal flaw: his inability to act decisively and swiftly. His hesitation and procrastination lead to his downfall and the destruction of those he loves.

The objectivity of Hamlet is challenging to determine, as the play presents multiple perspectives and interpretations of the events. The play does not offer a precise or definitive answer to any of the questions it raises. Instead, it invites the audience to form their own opinions and judgments based on the evidence and arguments presented by the characters. The play also challenges the notion of objectivity, showing how reality can be manipulated and distorted by language, emotions, biases, and illusions. The play suggests no absolute truth or certainty in human affairs, only ambiguity and complexity. The lessons that can be learned from Hamlet are manifold and diverse. For example, revenge is a dangerous and destructive motive that can consume one’s life and soul. Then, action without thought can lead to rash and regrettable consequences.
Furthermore, ideas without action can lead to paralysis and inaction. Further lessons include being wary of appearances and not trusting everything that seems true. Also, one should be loyal to one’s friends and family and not betray them for personal gain.

Lastly, the play significantly explains the universal emotions, and the symbolic value of the characters is still relevant. Therefore, reading the play to receive aesthetic pleasure and comprehend the writing’s sentiments is significant.

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