Question

Why is Hamlet classified as an example of a Shakespearean tragedy? Discuss the conventions of a Shakespearean tragedy and how they are showcased in the play.

Answer 1

Hamlet is a Shakespearean tragedy as it features a tragic hero with a fatal flaw, adheres to Aristotle’s tragic conventions through its serious tone, use of verse, and induces catharsis. It includes key elements like peripeteia, anagnorisis, and consequences affecting a broader realm.

Step-by-step explanation:

Hamlet is classified as a Shakespearean tragedy because it follows the conventions established by Aristotle and adheres to the characteristics prevalent during Shakespeare's time. One of the main conventions is the presence of a tragic hero who is noble by birth and possesses a hamartia, or fatal flaw. In Hamlet, the eponymous protagonist's indecisiveness and obsession with philosophical contemplation of life and death lead to his downfall and the play's tragic ending.

In accordance with Aristotle's definition of tragedy, the play tells a serious, complete story of a certain magnitude, employs embellished language through the use of verse, and presents its dramatic conflict through action rather than narrative. The audiences experience catharsis by feeling pity and fear, as they witness Hamlet's struggle with moral and ethical dilemmas, such as avenging his father's murder by deciding whether to kill his uncle.

The play showcases other elements of tragedy, including peripeteia, a reversal of fortune, and anagnorisis, the moment of critical discovery. Tragedy also requires consequences that resonate beyond the individual, affecting the state of Denmark in this instance. Hence, Hamlet aligns with the tragic framework by encompassing these elements.

Answer 2

Hamlet is classified as a Shakespearean tragedy because it exhibits many of the conventions that are associated with the genre. Shakespearean tragedies typically involve the downfall of a noble or high-ranking character due to a flaw in their character, an external conflict, or a combination of both. The play Hamlet exemplifies this formula by depicting the tragic downfall of the protagonist, Prince Hamlet, due to his fatal flaw of indecision and a complex series of external conflicts.

One of the conventions of a Shakespearean tragedy is the presence of a tragic hero who is flawed and whose downfall is inevitable. In Hamlet, the protagonist, Prince Hamlet, is a tragic hero who possesses many admirable qualities such as intelligence, wit, and loyalty. However, he is also characterized by a fatal flaw - his indecisiveness, which leads him to delay in taking action and ultimately leads to his tragic end.

Another convention of a Shakespearean tragedy is the presence of supernatural elements. In Hamlet, the appearance of the ghost of Hamlet's father is a crucial supernatural element that drives the plot forward and propels Hamlet's actions. The ghost's revelation of his murder at the hands of Claudius serves as the catalyst for Hamlet's revenge and sets the events of the play in motion.

The role of fate or destiny is also a key convention in Shakespearean tragedy. Hamlet is constantly grappling with the question of whether his actions are predetermined by fate or whether he has the power to shape his own destiny. This struggle is exemplified in his famous soliloquy, "To be or not to be," in which he ponders the possibility of taking his own life and the consequences of such an action.

The presence of external conflicts, such as power struggles, betrayal, and revenge, is another hallmark of a Shakespearean tragedy. In Hamlet, the conflicts between the characters drive the plot forward and contribute to the tragic ending. The conflict between Hamlet and Claudius, the power struggle between Fortinbras and Denmark, and the betrayal of Ophelia and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are all external conflicts that contribute to the tragic outcome.

In conclusion, Hamlet is a classic example of a Shakespearean tragedy because it exemplifies many of the conventions of the genre. The presence of a tragic hero, supernatural elements, fate or destiny, and external conflicts all contribute to the play's tragic ending.