Hamlet

There are a number of reasons that HamletÆs ability to outwit Claudius are undermined by Act V. One of the biggest of these is his recognition that he has killed Polonius unfairly and by mistake. Therefore, when Claudius eggs on Laertes to duel with Hamlet, Hamlet does not turn down the invitation or avoid the conflict. Of course, Laertes is unaware that Claudius has rigged the fight in order for Hamlet to be murdered. HamletÆs indecision and indifference throughout the play also po

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an ethos. Later in the play he maintains in a discussion with Horatio that, ôThereÆs a divinity that shapes our ends, / Rough-hew them how we willö (Shakespeare V.ii 1108). It is such an ethos that seems to make Hamlet willing to engage in the duel with Laertes that is orchestrated by Claudius. Hamlet appears to believe that no matter what attempts human beings make to shape their destinies, there is an outside force that will rule the day despite such efforts. We see ample evidence of such thinking in Hamlet during the course of the play. In an later comment to Horatio, Hamlet once more appears to think he is helpless in the face of destiny or some external force that is shaping his end. As he says, ôNot a white, we defy augury: thereÆs a special providence in the fall of a sparrowö (Shakespeare V.ii. 1110). Such a philosophy or ethos is almost Zen-like in its attitude that all things are connected and even the death of a sparrow has ramifications to the universe. Such indifference as is exhibited by Hamlet throughout the play is also a sign perhaps of depression or suicidal thinking. After all, Hamlet has lost his father to murder by his uncle, and he is quite beside himself that his mother has barely taken off her mourn
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Approximate Word count = 1273
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page)

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