Complexities of the Human Condition in Hamlet 

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Complexities of the Human Condition in Hamlet

Being a complex human being refers to possessing the ability to grapple with moral issues, make tough decisions, and conveys symbolic meaning. For example, humans can contemplate the moral/ethical implications of the actions, such as murder or theft. William Shakespeare depicts these complexities of the human condition in the tragic play Hamlet through the thoughts and actions of Prince Hamlet. Hamlet demonstrates these human qualities by using monologue, theme and figurative language to reveal his obsession with revenge, doubts regarding King Claudius’ guilt, and the ability to manipulate language creatively. 

Hamlet demonstrates the complex nature of the human mind through monologue, revealing his internal dilemma; whether to revenge his father’s death. This idea comes out in Hamlet’s soliloquy in Act 3 Scene 1, in which he struggles with the famous dilemma “to be or not to be,” Hamlet weighs between taking “arms against a sea of troubles” and giving up; “To die – to sleep,” and avoid all of life’s troubles (III. iii. 1-4). He resists the urge to commit suicide because he is not sure what lies beyond the grave. Hamlet's grappling with this question reveals the complexity of the human condition since it is difficult to choose between life and death.

Secondly, Hamlet’s sad tone suggests that he is concerned about the evil that has befallen his Kingdom. After the encounter with the Ghost, Hamlet laments that “Tis bodes some strange eruption to our state” (I.i.6). Hamlet’s sad tone suggests humans’ ability to conceptualize evil’s impact on society. For example, Hamlet believes that murder represents the breakdown of moral values in society. Literary critic Charles Knight asserts this fact by observing that Hamlet's struggles with ethical issues “allow the reader to make a judgment or form an opinion about fundamental aspects of human life,” such as morality (Knight, 1966, p. 92). This observation suggests that Hamlet's character traits, for example, the tendency to question one's actions moral values, reveal the human mind’s capacity to conceptualize the effect of evil in society.

Thirdly, Hamlet’s concern that he might wrongly kill an innocent person emphasizes his sense of justice.  Although he is certain of Claudius’ guilt, he postpones revenge because he wants to prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that Claudius is the murderer. These delays demonstrate that Hamlet is “a man of great moral integrity who is forced to commit an act which goes against his deepest principles” (Scott, 1992, p. 74). Hamlet’s desire to be sure about Claudius’ guilt portrays the theme of justice, illustrating humans’ capacity to conceptualize abstract ideas. 

Fourth, Shakespeare employs figurative language to demonstrate humans’ ability to use language to convey complex ideas. For instance, Hamlet tells Horatio: “I have words to speak in thine ear will make thee dumb" (IV.vi.21). Hamlet is referring to the murder of his father in the hands of King Claudius. Hamlet says that this information will make Horatio dumb to suggest the enormity of the matter. The use of figurative language shows humans' ability to convey symbolic meaning. 

In summation, Shakespeare employs theme, tone, and figurative language in Hamlet to portray the complexity of the human condition through the thoughts and actions of the title character, Prince Hamlet. Hamlet demonstrates the complex emotions, feelings, decisions and ideas that dictate human life. These include wrestling with moral dilemmas, thinking about justice, and using language figuratively. These qualities suggest that humans are complex creatures because they can think abstractly, use language creatively, and contemplate justice, morality, and death. 

References

Knight, L. (1966). Some Shakespeare themes & an approach to Hamlet   

Stanford University Press. 

Scott, M. (1992). Shakespeare for students .  Detroit: Gale Research Inc.

Shakespeare, W. (1919). Hamlet, Prince of Denmark . Macmillan.