William Shakespeare s Hamlet - The Aristotelian Tragic Hero

Shakespeare’s play, Hamlet, centers around Hamlet’s contemplation of killing his uncle in order to avenge his father’s death. Hamlet’s decisions and values come into play in determining his fate. However, Hamlet’s intended action to avenge his father’s death, rather his motivation, falls short due to his moral dilemma. Overall, Hamlet’s actions and values work together to create a connection between Hamlet’s state of mind and the condition of Denmark as well as, epitomize him as an Aristotelian tragic hero. At the same time, his motivation is at odds with his need to bring justified order to the kingdom. Shakespeare’s Hamlet fits the definition the Aristotelian tragic hero. This archetype is shown through Hamlet’s values and actions.†¦show more content†¦Hamlet believes that he will not be doing his father justice if he kills Claudius after he is forgiven of his sins. He goes on to say, â€Å"To take him in the purging of his soul / When he is fit and seasoned for his passage?... / Up, sword, and know thou a more horrid hent† (1659 3.3). Not taking advantage of the opportunity, Hamlet once again falls short in fulfilling his vow to his father. Although, Hamlet is given a perfect opportunity to kill Claudius, his tendency to constantly reflect on the situation and whether he should kill Claudius or not is often delayed. Hamlet’s constant contemplation becomes his major flaw, delaying him from killing Claudius. This flaw is yet another aspect of Aristotle’s definition of a tragic hero. Another element of the Aristotelian tragic hero is the re versal of fate, rather a change for the worse. Hamlet’s continuous delay in killing Claudius determines an alternative course for his fate. He has the potential to claim the throne, restore order in the kingdom, and keep his family in power of the nation. However, these outcomes are only possible if Hamlet can execute his plan with swiftness. Thus, Hamlet reverses his fate by procrastinating in avenging his father’s death. Instead, Hamlet spends most of the play in devising a plan that allows him to take the throne without having to face punishment for killing Claudius. While Claudius is swift in plotting and carrying out his actions against Hamlet, Hamlet often puts off his duty toShow MoreRelatedWilliam Shakespeare s Othello, The Moor Of Venice1776 Words   |  8 Pagestragedy is typically explained as a type of drama that displays pain and suffering, and where the main character, the protagonist, experiences a life changing event that alters his fortune from good t oo bad. William Shakespeare’s play, Othello, the Moor of Venice is classified as an Aristotelian classical tragedy based on the guidelines Aristotle sets when examining a tragedy. 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