So, Harold Bloom is THE expert on Shakespeare. If Harold Bloom says something, people listen. And now you'll know to pay attention to him, too. He's taught at Yale, Harvard, and NYU. Not too shabby of a resume, huh? I'd say that he's probably the most celebrated literary critic in the United States. Okay, fine, Frank Kermode said that, but, you know, whatever.
Tomorrow in class, we shall handle a few discussion topics that you received TODAY, said by Bloom. However, in the blog, TONIGHT, I'd like you to handle this idea that he presented about Hamlet:
“Part of the definitive Hamlet’s mystery is why the audience and readership, rather like the common people of Denmark in the play, should love him. Until Act V, Hamlet loves the dead father (or rather, his image) but does not persuade us that he loves (or ever loved) anyone else. The prince has no remorse for his manslaughter of Polonius, or for his vicious badgering of Ophelia into madness and suicide, or for his gratuitous dispatch of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to their undeserved deaths. We do not believe Hamlet when he blusters to Laertes that he loved Ophelia, since the charismatic nature seems to exclude remorse, except for what has not yet been done. The skull of poor Yorick evokes not grief, but disgust, and the son’s farewell to his dead mother is the heartless ‘Wretched Queen, adieu.’ There is the outsize tribute to the faithful and loving Horatio, but it is subverted when Hamlet angrily restrains his grieving follower from suicide, not out of affection but so as to assign him the task of telling the prince’s story, lest Hamlet bear forever a wounded name. There is indeed a considerable ‘case against Hamlet,’ urged most recently by Alistair Fowler, but even if Hamlet is a hero-villain, he remains the Western hero of consciousness” (409).
Do you agree with Harold Bloom? Make sure to look at those scenes that Bloom references, and to
reference them in your discussion. Remember the existing blog rules as well--interact with at least one of
your classmates' thoughts. And a simple "I agree with Sparkles" is NOT sufficient. Really evaluate what
Sparkles, or Mits, or Pink Chucks, or Banana, or Deanielle said about it.
Do a good job here--you're playing in Bloom's park.
As long as they're posted before our class tomorrow (BEFORE LUNCH, AHEM!) you're golden.
Thanks, kiddos!
I agree with Harold Bloom that there is certainly a "case against Hamlet." Even though he has faults, Hamlet is still known as the Western hero of consciousness because he consistently reflects on his inner thoughts, and spends much of the play thinking. This is obvious in Hamlet's monologues and soliloquies in which he ponders life and death, and his own feelings regarding those subjects. Hamlet also takes a lot of time deciding on his actions, which is why he is often indecisive. This prevents him from being a villain, because he does think about his actions, and usually makes his worst choices while emotional. The way he responds to his choices is what makes him more villainous. However, I also agree that Hamlet is a "hero-villian" as well. Bloom presents many situations in which Hamlet shows no concern for anyone except his father or his father's memory or image. Hamlet refuses to allow Horatio to take his own life simply to ensure that Hamlet's story is told and that his name will not be sullied. Hamlet's behavior towards Ophelia fluctuates between making suggestive remarks and telling her that she is sinful, and he shows no remorse for murdering her father, which eventually causes her to go insane and commit suicide. As Bloom mentions, this is why Hamlet's outburst of emotion at Ophelia's grave is less believable. Hamlet also refuses to take responsibility for the act that caused her misery, choosing instead to perform dramatic actions that show his emotions.
ReplyDeleteHamlet begins focusing on his father at the beginning of the play when he tells the ghost of his father that he will not forget him, even going as far as to "wipe away all trivial fond records, all saws of books, all forms, all pressures past" (I.v) that do not have anything to do with his father. Looking back at this line after reading the play shows that Hamlet did indeed forget everything except his father, which Shakespeare exemplifies through how Hamlet treats everyone around the castle. Hamlet does become a villain in the times that he causes misery and refuses to take responsibility for his actions. He does not even care about his mother's death, which emphasizes the anger and hatred he felt for her.
However, I disagree with Bloom when he says that the skull of Yoric "evokes not grief but disgust." Hamlet's speech about Yoric shows pain and loss, because he is reminiscing about "flashes of merriment" (V.i) that Yorick brought him. Hamlet also tells Yorick "get you to my lady's chamber" (V.i) and asks him to make Ophelia laugh. This is a sincere moment in which Hamlet talks about a dead loved one, and recalls when Yorick "set the table on a roar" (V.i). It is clear that Yorick was a significant part of Hamlet's childhood when Hamlet remarks about "those lips I have kissed I know not how oft" (V.i). It is also possible that Hamlet only remembers Yorick fondly because he was the jester of King Hamlet, and is present in Hamlet's memories of his father. While Hamlet does indeed show animosity towards most of the castle, he does show an emotional side in that scene. However, his emotions could be attributed to the fact that Yorick was a part of his relationship with his father, and that is why Hamlet cares about him. Overall, I do agree with Bloom that Hamlet is a "hero-villian," who only truly cares about his father. I also agree that Hamlet remains a Western hero of consciousness because of his thoughts and intense self reflection that show he is considering his actions very carefully. I also think that Hamlet has moments of sincere emotion towards other characters as well.
I agree with Harold Bloom when he says that Hamlet is a “hero-villain.” Hamlet thinks about many things that readers question, highlighting his inability to make decisions. He gets extremely emotional at times which leads him to decisions that may not be the best. Hamlet kills Polonius without really thinking about who could be behind the curtain because he was hoping it was his uncle, Claudius. If Hamlet could revenge his father’s death, then he would do it. I agree with Marrissa when she says, “Hamlet shows no concern for anyone except his father or his father's memory or image.” The idea that Hamlet wants to avenge his father’s death shows his loyalty to his father, and Hamlet does not care if he harms others that he thinks had any part in it. Hamlet had the chance to kill Claudius, but he was in the church praying and Hamlet wanted to make sure Claudius did not go to heaven so he decided not to do the dirty deed at that moment. Bloom mentions that Hamlet does not care that he drives Ophelia to insanity and eventually suicide. Hamlet has no guilt in leading Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to their deaths. However, readers can sympathize with Hamlet because it appears that everyone is against him. His father is killed by his uncle, who then marries his mother. He is forbidden to see Ophelia anymore, whom he claimed to love. His mother became more loyal to his uncle than her son. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern obey the king and spies on Hamlet. All of the struggles he goes through proves that although he has some qualities of a villain, Hamlet also has qualities of a hero as well.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with Harold Bloom when he makes the point that there is a “case against Hamlet.” Mentioning all of his wrong doings, we see Hamlet’s inability to have sympathy for anyone, especially those involved in the killing of his father. The appearance of Hamlet’s madness also creates a case against Hamlet. Sometimes readers have a difficult time believing what Hamlet says. It is tough to determine the information that is accurate and the effect the madness has on him. Hamlet frequently contemplates suicide, making a stronger case against Hamlet that he is not in the right state of mind. I agree with Marrissa when she says, “the way he responds to his choices is what makes him more villainous.” For him to not care what he has done is a dangerous response for someone who struggles both internally and externally.
Yess!Everyone agree with me, it's the best option. Now onto my incredible thoughts which everyone should agree with.
ReplyDeleteReading Mr. Bloom's comments made me wonder why I enjoyed Hamlet as much as I did. I think I figured it out and this is why I disagree with what Bloom says. He asks why the people of Denmark loved Hamlet because Hamlet "does not persuade us that he loves (or ever loved) anyone else." While I agree that there isn't much to say for Hamlet's love, there is a lot to say for his sense of justice. This is the reason I like Hamlet, as a character and as the play. Throughout the play, there is always a sense of justice. Hamlet does not put up with the villainy of the people around him. Bloom made a key-point when he said Hamlet is a "hero-villain" because Hamlet's affliction throughout the play is how to get justice and avenge his father. He is working for good but doing it all wrong.
Hamlet is one of the most enigmatic of Shakespeare's characters because readers never quite know if he is sane. In trying to maintain the ambiguity of the character, I would like to add that maybe Hamlet did have feelings for Ophelia. In Act 3 Scene 1 Ophelia returns the gifts and love notes Hamlet gave her and this certainly seems to incite something in Hamlet because he bitterly fires back telling Ophelia he never loved her and ranting about makeup, simply put.
I agree with Marrissa's point that "Hamlet's speech about Yoric shows pain and loss." While holding a skull is a little on the strange side, this is what Hamlet has of Yorick other than his memories and it's just bone that acts as a momento, like a picture would. Hamlet is just a sad young prince with no one to trust and nowhere to turn. Everyone has turned their back on him and he's seeing his father's ghost as a constant reminder that his uncle is a traitorous leech and his mother is a naive and silly woman.
As a side note, who is banana?
ReplyDeletehannah
DeleteI agree with some of the points that Bloom makes in this argument. However, I also agree with many of the points Lauren made. Bloom's use of the "hero-villain" to describe Hamlet is very accurate, and encompasses both his motives and actions in one term. His motive, to seek justice for his father, is heroic, but the actions he actually carries out are villainous. This point is something both Marrissa and Lauren mentioned. Lauren said "He is working for good but doing it all wrong," which I agree with, and I also believe it defines his character. Hamlet is misunderstood by almost everyone in the play, who blame his actions on insanity. Hamlet's state of mind is uncertain, but behind his madness lie several profound truths. This mirrors Hamlet's actions, which are villainous, but also disguise a heroic purpose.
ReplyDeleteAs far as "the case against Hamlet," I believe that it is a very strong point. Hamlet's soul was tortured by the death of his father, and his death consumed Hamlet's life. Once Hamlet learns that his father was murdered, he focuses all of his efforts on revenge. Hamlet even feigns madness, demonstrated when he says "I perchance here aft shall think meet To put an antic disposition on." Hamlet has decided that he will stop at nothing when it comes to avenging his father's murder, even pretending to be insane. Although Hamlet consciously fakes his madness, the murder consumes him so much that it drives him to become crazed up until his death. Every action that Hamlet does, such as killing Polonius, causing Ophelia's suicide, and watching his mother die is without remorse and all comes back to his plan for revenge. After his father's murder, he cannot bear to live in a world where such evil goes on. This explains his contemplation of suicide, and supports his ruthless aims at revenge. Also, Hamlet's grief over Yorick, like Marrissa mentioned, is simply grieving over the memory of his father and his old life. Marrissa said "his emotions could be attributed to the fact that Yorick was a part of his relationship with his father, and that is why Hamlet cares about him," which I thoroughly agree with, and I also believe that Hamlet is lamenting his once happy life with his father alive. Overall, I agree with the case Bloom makes against Hamlet, but I also feel that many of Hamlet's actions are driven by his search for justice.
LAUREN SEQUIN....YOU ARE A HATER! I AM BANANA....as in Hannah Banana....you silly sparkle.
ReplyDelete(that should count as my mention)
I completely disagree with Mr. Bloom. His inpretation of the scenes are completely biased, and out of context. Hamlet is a hero, he was unfortunetly born into a royal family, which in the time of the play, would mean a life full of traitors and frauds, and people who would take advantage of others just to further their position. Hamlet does show his love in the play. He is courting (courted) Ophelia and he definitely loves her. I really like Lauren's point where she shows that Hamlet is upset when Ophelia returns the gifts and love notes. Obviously he is upset that she is not keeping his thoughtful gifts which marked this love notes. the fact that they are considered "love" notes shows that he felt something for her.
Also, Hamlet loves his father. that is what the entire play is about. King Claudius calls his grieving "unmanly" because it has lasted three months. For three months Hamlet has been mouring. Then the rest of the play centers on Hamlet's need for revenge in order to make his father's death right.
Even more, I disagree that Rosencrantz and Guildenstern had an "undeserved death". I think their death was very much deserved because they were traitors to Hamlet, working with Claudius. Rememeber the conversation they had with Hamlet when pretty much said let me tell me what you are doing so that you don't have to be in trouble with the King.
So I do not believe that Hamlet is any sort of a villian. He kills those who deserve death, he confuses the characters who are trying to confuse him and if Hamlet were put on trial for these murders in modern day America he would certainly get off on an insane plea.
Like Marrissa, I agree with Harold Bloom when he states that there "is a case against" Hamlet due to the way he treats other during the course of the play. The fact that Hamlet is seen as a "hero-villian" is another fact I agree with because of Hamlet's penchant to be cruel to others while at times striving for justice to be met during the course of the play. Observers of the play can see Hamlet as a two sided character and are put in a situation where they must weigh the pros and cons to decide whether or not he is a character to love or hate, often having times where Hamlet is loved and after he does something particularly treacherous, hated. Depending on the kind of person observing the play, they may see Hamlet in a different light from someone else who has had a different life experience than them. An observer of the play who may see in Hamlet a person somewhat like them might sympathize with Hamlet as opposed to someone who sees in Hamlet a character much unlike themselves. Though Bloom holds his own opinions towards Hamlet's character, ultimately not every person who has studied the play will view the topics he touched upon the same way.
ReplyDeleteBloom states that Hamlet's farewell to his mother is "heartless" though if one was to look into their relationship seen in the play, they would see Hamlet looking towards his mother with contempt for her marriage to the man who killed his father. Hamlet wanted his mother to feel guilty for what she had done, to right her wrong and when he asked her to, she replied simply that Hamlet's words were causing her to look into her actions with regret and for him to stop. Hamlet gave his mother Gertrude a chance and when she decided to keep on living her sinful life, Hamlet decided where he stood with his mother. Bloom also mentions how the skill of Yorik "evokes disgust" though, I truly feel that Hamlet feels disgust and guilt for holding up the skull of his old childhood friend as if it were a mere toy to be observed.
Bloom touches upon the way Hamlet "badgers Ophelia into madness" which Hamlet essentially does, but if one were to look deeper into Hamlet's character and the events that had gone on in his life, as well as his frequent changes in mindset, it would be safe to conclude that Hamlet is an unstable character. Women such as Ophelia were seen as weak and a lower class from men. Hamlet saw in Ophelia a chance to let out the dark feelings in his heart and by doing thus portrays himself as a villain.
So, for this topic I am a little indecisive. I can see both sides of the argument, but to me Hamlet being a “hero” has more weight in it than Hamlet being a “villain.” Like Marrissa said, Hamlet causes misery in and around the castle, and like Zach said, wanting to kill Claudius when he is not praying so he can send him to hell is bad; however, only three months before the current setting, Hamlet’s father died unexpectedly. He was not sick; he was not going off to war. Everyone thought that they would have the same king the next day, especially his only son Hamlet. So, when he died, it came as a shock to everyone, especially Hamlet. A death of someone close is not easy to cope with, especially teenagers who deal with raging hormones. Hamlet Sr.’s death probably caused Hamlet to go into depression. It explains why he causes misery around the castle: because he is miserable and unhappy himself, plus everyone has turned against him. His mother married his uncle and became more loyal to him than her own flesh and blood, his friends turned against him, and the lords of the court all side with the new king. Hamlet’s life is not what one considers easy during the play.
ReplyDeleteAlthough he is depressed, like Lauren said, Hamlet still has a sense of justice. In fact that sense justice is one of the few things that he still has in his mind that is not affected by his depression. So, it is one of the only things guiding him in his actions and thoughts. He knows what is right and what is wrong. Hamlet knows that avenging his father is what is considered just and, although he feels no remorse since his depression does not allow it, Hamlet knows that what he did to Polonius was not right. After he kills Polonius, he says “For this same lord [pointing to Polonius] I do repent; …I will bestow him, and will answer well the death I gave him” (III.iv.179-184). Hamlet repents and says that he will take whatever punishment will come his way for killing the man.
The actions that Hamlet commits are bad, but they are driven by the sense of justice that Hamlet is trying to satisfy. If Hamlet was not depressed, then he would not have had the other senses of reasoning dulled in his mind. If Claudius had not killed Hamlet Sr., then Hamlet would have never been depressed. The only true villain who had no other motive but greed is Claudius. It is due to his cruel and villainous actions that Hamlet, a good little prince who was loved by the people, became depressed and went “bad.”
So, no, I do not agree with Harold Bloom when he says that Hamlet is a hero-villain. Hamlet is just a depressed teenager whose mother married his uncle, who killed his father, who he saw in ghost form, who told him that he must avenge him. Hamlet is just unfortunately living in a very messed up family, during a very messed up time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFCSXr6qnv4
ReplyDeleteTHE BANANA KING, CHARLIE!
I agree with Harold Bloom's arguement that Hamlet is a hero-villian and the Western hero of consciousness. I also agree with Zach's statement that Hamlet "gets extremely emotional at times which leads him to decisions that might not be the best. Hamlet's loyalty and love for his birth father are both appealing qualities that readers respect, which is why people like him. But as Hamlet devotes himself to avenging his father, he often gets carried away and makes bad decisions. He does not kill Polonius or harm anyone else malicisously, he simply wnats to stay loyal to his father and takes his devotion too far. Hamlet's actions are a result of an emotional battle. His intention is not to harm anyone simply for the sake of doing so, everything he does has an intended purpose. He commits cruel acts but he has logical intentions.
ReplyDeleteAlthough Hamlet commits bad acts, Readers are more drawn to him because Shakespeare puts so much emphasis on the antagonist's ( Claudius') villainry. The reader never sees Cluadius show any sort of genuine care and concern for anyone throughout the play and this automatically makes him and unrelatable character. He constantly commits sins or plots against Hamlet for his own selfish benefit. The only time Claudius is remotely relatable is in Act III Scene III when he realizes the extent of his sins and begs for God's forgiveness. But this new perspective of Claudius only lasts for a little while because he regresses back to plotting against Hamlet. His relatableness is short-lived as he reverts back to his old ways. The play displays Claudius as an obstacle from the beginning of the play to the end. SO his villainry shines through and overshadows Hamlet's villainry. Although Hamlet commits major sins throughout the play, he is relatable because of his devotion to his father. He is a nice guy who makes bad mistakes; therefore, he is a hero-villain.
I agree with parts of Harold Bloom's argument, but not every point. Hamlet can be portrayed as a "hero-villain" due to the ambiguity in his character. He is heroic in his profound moments, as well as when he yearns for revenge for his beloved father. However, he can also be seen as villainous when he acts rashly and gets caught in hateful revenge. Like Danielle said, "He commits cruel acts but has logical intentions." Hamlet falters not only in his sanity, but in his revenge. His actions, words, and thoughts may drastically change throughout the play from sane to insane, but it all returns to his ultimate goal to avenge his father's death.
ReplyDeleteLike Bloom states, there is evidence to make a "considerable case against Hamlet." However, I believe there is also evidence in his defense. He does act rashly when killing Polonius. However, Hamlet's act is explained by his ultimate goal. He believes the "rat" (III.iv. 25) is Claudius, who he is trying to kill out of "good intentions." After realizing his wrongdoing, Hamlet "weeps for what is done" (IV.i. 27). He regrets his rash decision, so it may have been a villainous act, but his remorse displays his heroism. Also, when Hamlet contemplates and reflects upon Yorick's skull, it is not out of "disgust" but out of "grief." Hamlet is in the graveyard, surrounded by death. Yorick's skull sparks nostalgia of his childhood. This immediately brings him back once again to his ultimate goal of avenging his father. Like Marrissa says Yorick is "present in Hamlet's memories of his father." Yorick represents Hamlet's past, his father, and the joy he once had. Hamlet claims Yorick was a "fellow of infinite jest" (V.i. 149). Hamlet rarely reflects on his past and rarely attributes positive characteristics to others. This reflection and contemplation is nostalgic and grief stricken, rather than filled with hatred. Hamlet's ambiguity, rash actions, and poignant words all reflect his characterization as a "hero-villain."
Chickens, these are pretty insightful responses! Sometimes y'all make me so proud!
ReplyDeleteBloom said, “We do not believe Hamlet when he blusters to Laertes that he loved Ophelia.” When he says “we” he is talking about the reader experience and I disagree with this statement. I believe quite the opposite; I believe that through the “blusters to Laertes,” the readers’ eyes are opened to the love that Hamlet felt for Ophelia and the grief that he feels seeing her body in the grave. In Act V Scene i Hamlet says, “What is he whose grief/ Bears such an emphasis, whose phrase of sorrow/ Conjures the wandering stars, and makes them stand/ Like wonder-wounded hearers? This is I,/ Hamlet the Dane.” He says this when he sees Laertes jump into Ophelia’s grave and cry about the loss of his sister. After he says this, Hamlet jumps in the grave as well and begins to fight with Laertes. When Hamlet and Laertes quarrel in Ophelia’s grave, Hamlet’s aggression was due to jealousy. Hamlet was jealous that Laertes could act on his emotions and be passionate; Hamlet struggles with this aspect of love. Ms. Rouleau says to never talk about reader experience, but as the reader I felt bad for Hamlet. I believe that Hamlet loved Ophelia and did not watch her demise and commit suicide just to be a “villain” or heartless. Hamlet proclaims that he loves Ophelia more that any brother could when he says, “I loved Ophelia. Forty thousand brothers could not with all their quantity of love make up my sum.” Hamlet loves Ophelia in a different way that Laertes could ever love her. A brother love and a romantic love are very different and Hamlet is frustrated that he has to prove to other just how much he loves Ophelia.
ReplyDeleteI understand the perspective presented by Bloom of Hamlet being a “hero-villain.” I agree with Lauren when she says that Hamlet “is working for good but doing it all wrong.” Hamlet wants to avenge his father’s death, but he contemplates doing this by killing Claudius in a vengeful manor. Hamlet wants nothing more than to bring justice to his father’s death by killing the man who killed his father. Hamlet decides to kill Claudius and is about to in Act III Scene iii, but Claudius is praying. Hamlet does not just want to kill Claudius; he wants Claudius to be eternally in Hell after he is dead. This vengeful attitude has Hamlet looking like a villain, but his reason behind it has Hamlet looking like a hero to his father. With regards to the death of Polonius, Hamlet shows no ramose; but this does not make him a villain or a bad person. First of all Hamlet thought that it was Claudius behind the curtain and he wanted to kill Claudius to avenge his father’s death. Second of all Polonius was spying on Hamlet for the king and was the king’s personal doormat . . . also if he was a good spy, Hamlet would not have been able to know that he was there so because he was a bad spy he deserved to die.
I agree with Harold Bloom to a certain extent. There is most certainly a case against Hamlet but, some of Hamlet’s acts are justified and therefore I also agree that Hamlet is a hero-villain. Can Hamlet really be blamed for struggling to love others, killing Polonius, and having those closest to him killed? Before answering this question with little or no thought, take the following into consideration. Hamlet may struggle with love because his mother, whom the reader would think he loves dearly, betrayed him. In marrying Claudius and never looking back, Queen Gertrude just may have shattered Hamlet’s belief system in the sense that he cannot trust those whom he loves. “Nay, but to live/ In the rank sweat of an enseamed bed,/ Stew'd in corruption, honeying and making love/ Over the nasty sty,—“ (III, iv) Hamlet says this while speaking to his mother about what she did and how she is sinful. How should Hamlet feel when his mother sleeps with the enemy who is also Hamlet’s uncle? If Hamlet cannot even trust and love his family, he most definitely will have trouble loving anybody outside of that.
ReplyDeleteIn the case of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, the two of them had their deaths coming to them. As Hamlet speaks to Horatio, he says “Why, man, they did make love to this employment;/ They are not near my conscience; their defeat/ Does by their own insinuation grow:/ 'Tis dangerous when the baser nature comes/ Between the pass and fell incensed points/ Of mighty opposites.” (V,ii) Basically Hamlet says it is dangerous for little people to get involved in important peoples’ business. It is also important to note that Rosencrantz and Guildenstern tried to get information out of Hamlet for Claudius and admitted this to Hamlet. Hamlet could not trust that they would stay loyal to him and was only protecting himself. Polonius’ death was another inevitable one. Polonius got way too involved in all of Hamlet and Claudius’ business and got caught in the crossfire. After discovering Polonius behind the arras Hamlet says, “I took thee for thy better: take thy fortune;/ Thou find'st to be too busy is some danger.” (III, iv) Hamlet says that he thought it was someone more important and that Polonius has found how dangerous it is to be others’ business. Hamlet feels no remorse because Polonius was meddling where he should not have been.
Sparkles had an awesome idea when mentioning justice. Hamlet only wants to revenge his father. While Hamlet’s actions may be evil in themselves, his sense of justice is clear. I could not have said it better myself when Sparkles said “He is working for good but doing it all wrong.” Hamlet is not acting out of selfish reasons when he tries to get revenge for his father but he is defending his father’s honor and his own. Hamlet may be a villain in the sense that he performs evil actions but he is a hero in the sense that he has noble reasons for performing those. When evaluating or making a case against any character, the reader must look at the “why” behind the behavior before making their final judgment. In Hamlet’s case, his actions and relationships with other characters may be due to his inability to love and trust anyone.
I do not agree with Harold Bloom because before his fathers death as far as the reader understands he was in love with Ophelia and he did love his family. However it's just that the murder of his father brought out the "mad" personality in him. As Ms. Ballard said in her resposne, Hamlet did really care for Yorick and when he picked up his skull it reminded him of their "flashes of merriment" (V.i) (Marrissa Ballard). From a pyschological standpoint such a huge stressor, the murder of his father by his uncle, and his alduterous mother, needed to be relieved. That was eventually relieved when he killed his uncle Claudius. And as Ms. Rouleau says we do have "insightful responses".
ReplyDeleteI agree with Harold Bloom's points he makes in his argument concerning Hamlet. I believe that Hamlet does indeed feel no remorse for his actions and never loved anyone beside his father. I believe Hamlet perhaps have loved his mother and Ophelia before his father died, but all that he focuses on now is avenging the death of his father. I do believe there is a "case against Hamlet." As Jessica said, "Hamlet's soul was tortured by the death of his father, and his death consumed Hamlet's life." He threw away all other relationships he previously had and is overcome by a fascination for his own death, but is unmoved by the deaths of others surrounding him, such as his mother or girlfriend. Hamlet's attitude changes from that of a prince to that of a heartless, conniving, revengeful man.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I disagree with Bloom when he says that "the skull of poor Yorick evokes not grief, but disgust." I believe that Hamlet was truly touched when he realized in Act V Scene i that the skull he was holding was indeed the jester of his youth.