The Existential Crisis of Hamlet, Essay Example

By examining the narrative of Hamlet in a reverse fashion, that is to say, from the end of the play to its beginning, it is possible to more clearly view the crucial theme of Shakespeare’s masterpiece: the existential trauma that the main character Hamlet experiences. In other words, one can see the climax of Hamlet’s death, alongside the deaths of Gertrude, Laertes and Claudius, as a tragedy in which political plotting is not only indicative of the struggle for authoritative power, but is also viewed as a commitment to values of truth. This truth is also evidenced in the notion that Hamlet’s dead body is honorably interred.

The scene of multiple deaths at the end of the work (Act 5, Scene 2) demonstrate the sense in which the lust for power ultimately leads to death, both to the victims and the perpetrators of this coup d’etat. Hamlet’s vengeance is realized in this scene, but his vengeance is more clearly demonstrated, arguably, as a vengeance against deceitful actions: Hamlet’s existential commitments are above all defined by the values of honesty and truth.

With the burial of Ophelia in Act 5, Scene 1, the motif of Ophelia’s suicide as a sin is clarified in terms of the honorable nature of her death: this death was the result of political deceit and thus, despite the choice of suicide, her death and burial deserves respect as a sign of the wickedness of this same deceit.

Act 4, Scene 7 further evinces the extent of this political intrigue and deceit, as plotting against Hamlet dominates the narrative. The scene focuses on how to kill Hamlet, embodying honesty and truth, without making it look like murder. Act 4, Scene 6 concerns more of this intrigue, as Hamlet attempts to make his way back to Denmark: his exile from Denmark is symbolic for the exile of honor and truth from the kingdom. Act 4, Scene 6 thus sets the scene for Hamlet’s capture, detailing his travails, having been captured by pirates. Act 4, Scene 5 contrasts the physical torments experienced by Hamlet with the psychic despair being experienced by Ophelia, who appears even closer to madness as a result of the entire tragedy. Act 4, Scene 4 cements in Hamlet’s mind the necessity for vengeance against the political plotters, as his discussion with military men of Norway demonstrates the possibility to sacrifice all for higher values. Act 4, Scene 3 outlines the beginning of Hamlet’s exile at the hands of Claudius, whereas Acts 4, Scenes 1 and 2 set up this ultimate reaction for Hamlet’s killing of Polonius.

The closing scene 4 of Act 3 demonstrates the psychic pressure being placed on Hamlet as the result of political conspiracy, and the physical consequences of this pressure, which are embodied in the murder of Polonius. Act 3 itself is dedicated to the development of the narrative up until the murder of Polonius, with Scenes 1, 2 and 3 addressing Hamlet’s gradual deterioration, and his feeling that he has been betrayed by all, although he has not been part of the unlawful conspiracy that has resulted in his father’s death.

Act 2 in this regard can be seen as the beginning of Hamlet’s psychic turmoil, for example, in Scene 1 when he sees the ghost of his father, the murdered King of Denmark. His deterioration continues in Scenes 2 and 3, where he appears to be going mad in conversation with Polonius.

Act 1 thus sets the necessary plot elements which are required to understand Hamlet’s deterioration and the greater conspiracy that causes it. In Act 1, Scene 1, therefore the murdered King of Denmark appears as a ghost, which will ultimately haunt the main protagonists on psychic levels throughout the play. The hypocrisy of the new ruler Claudius is demonstrated in Scene 2, as the conspiratorial nature of his actions are juxtaposed with his pompous lamentations for the death of the king who he has in reality murdered. Hamlet realizes this tragedy as Act 1, continues, above all in Scene 5 of this act, where Hamlet understands the extent of the murders, and the sacrifice of honor and truth that is their product.

Hence, the narrative of the play and the psychic deterioration of the characters appears clearer when we examine the play’s structure in this reverse manner. A sacrifice of truth and honor causes the work’s ultimate tragedy. Yet the seeds of such tragedy are sewn in the conspiracy and the lust for political hegemony that occur at the outset of the play, creating a linear and consistent narrative throughout Hamlet.