- In Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” the author frequently comments on the play itself. For example “To Be or Not to Be" (Shakespeare) is a comment made by Hamlet to the outside audience and doesn’t represent Hamlet’s thought at that moment.
- A. I do feel that there is evidence that Hamlet was jealous of Claudius. This statement made by Hamlet is telling of his relationship with Claudius, Such an act /That blurs the grace and blush of modesty, /Calls virtue hypocrite, takes off the rose /From the fair forehead of an innocent love /And sets a blister there, makes marriage vows /As false as dicers' oaths-O, such a deed /As from the body of contraction plucks /The very soul, and sweet religion makes /A rhapsody of words. Heaven's face does glow /O'er this solidity and compound mass /With tristful visage, as against the doom /Is thought-sick at the act.”
b. The Oedipus complex seems to be most prominent in time periods were family rivalry is common place. For example competition for titles or inheritance. Rivalry and reward could cause dislike for one family member and adoration for another.
c. Yes I feel that Shakespeare intended for Hamlet to be an oedipal character. There are many examples throughout the work. For example the inability for anyone to see Hamlet’s father but him, Hamlet’s obsession with his mother’s sexuality and Hamlet’s anger at Claudius’ marriage .
d. I do feel that murder in Hamlet is similar to the murder of Abel. Both characters are overcome with jealousy that leads them to their demise.
Works cited:
Shakespeare, W. (2000) Hamlet Penguin Classics Print.
