A Poisoned Tragedy - Hamlet

Greek philosopher Aristotle studied Greek plays and defined classical tragedy, which is the imitation of an

action that is serious, also as having magnitude, complete in itself. Tragedy typically includes incidents arousing pity and fear, to accomplish the cleansing of such emotions. The elements of a classical tragedy include: the tragic hero who, though not perfect, is certainly in some way morally superior to most of the audience (and who is nearly always upper class). Hamartia, literally the tragic flaw, translates as an error of judgment. This error is often hubris, loosely translated as arrogance. Hubris causes the hero to believe he can outwit fate or violate a moral law leading in turn to some kind of catastrophe; resulting in a complete reversal of fortune from happiness to disaster. Prior to his father's death, Hamlet is a well respected prince; however, soon after, his life becomes consumed with feelings of anger and vengeance. This ultimately leads to his tragic downfall. Throughout the play, Hamlet experiences a major character transition as his life slowly starts to fall apart, allowing his emotions to dictate his actions. Hamlet's tragic flaw is that he cannot act on impulse for things that require quick, decisive behaviour, and that he acts on impulse for things that require more contemplation than is given by him. Hamlet speaks of his father's errors that ultimately led him to his death, but it applies equally well to himself:

"[...] So, oft it chances in particular men, That for some vicious mole of nature in them, As, in their birth, wherein they are not guilty (Since nature cannot choose his origin), By the o'ergrowth of some complexion, Oft breaking down the pales and forts of reason, Or by some habit that too much o'er-leavens The form of plausive manners--that these men, Carrying, I say, the stamp of one defect, Being nature's livery, or fortune's star, Their virtues else, be they as pure as grace, As infinite as man may undergo, Shall in the general censure take corruption From that particular fault. The dram of evil doth all the noble substance of a doubt to his own scandal." (Act 1, Scene 4, Lines 22-38)

Hamlet says that his "fault" will corrupt the man. It seems to be an excuse for Shakespeare as to why Hamlet will not act on impulse; as though he is giving the audience a hint that Hamlet has a tragic flaw. Shakespeare writes: "[...] As, in their birth, wherein they are not guilty / (since nature cannot choose his origin) [...]" (Act 1, Scene 4, Line 26). Hamlet gives reason for his own flaw here. Although he is talking about his father having hamartia, he states "[...] particular men [...]" (Act 1, Scene 4, Line 23), he is not denying that his character does not have a tragic flaw. Hamlet is making an excuse for any possible mistakes that might arise in the play. By the end, his tragic flaw leads to catastrophe or downfall - death.

In the beginning; Hamlet is known as a popular and well-respected prince in Denmark. Even people who want revenge on Hamlet, such as Fortinbras, believe that Hamlet would "[...] prove most royal [...]." (Act 5, Scene 2, Line 388) The revenge Fortinbras wants on Hamlet does not surpass his thoughts about who Hamlet is and who he could have been as a king. After the death of his father, Hamlet begins to show signs of depression, anger, and paranoia. Even though Hamlet loves his mother with all his heart, he cannot overlook the fact that she marries his uncle, Claudius, less than a month after the death of his father. Despite his outbursts of madness, Hamlet still remains well respected throughout his kingdom. Throughout the entire play, Horatio maintains a positive image of Hamlet. "Now cracks a noble heart. Goodnight, sweet prince [...]" (Act 5, Scene 2, Lines 348-349) Even though Horatio knows everything that is going on, he still believes Hamlet is the same man at the end of his downfall

...