Topic > Textual Integrity in Hamlet Essay - 1197

Our personal response to William Shakespeare's play "Hamlet" (1603) is informed by our knowledge of the composer's contextual and political environment which helps highlight aspects of the human condition which permeate not only Elizabethan England but also that in our modern context. Shakespeare uses a variety of dramatic and linguistic techniques, to delve into the elements of human nature, therefore through the textual integrity of the play, Shakespeare is able to touch contemporary audiences as we too consider the dangerous nature of human attributes such as deception, corruption and mortality. Corruption is central to the textual integrity of Hamlet, as it reflects the political tension that took place during the Elizabethan period. At the same time, Hamlet analyzes death as a destined part of life and therefore this existential question gives the play its literary value. This is especially significant in Hamlet's well-known soliloquy “To be or not to be”, in which Hamlet philosophizes using metaphors, whether it is nobler to accept fate “to suffer the slingshots and arrows of outrageous fortune”, to fight fate “to take weapons against a sea of ​​\u200b\u200btroubles", or perhaps fight fate by ending life "oppose, put an end to it". Hamlet first sees death as preferable to life, illustrated through the iambic line "For who would bear the whips and scorns of time" before listing the problems that make life a burden, this however is further carried by the metaphor "the uncharted country / no traveler returns,” where Hamlet forces us to consider the uncertainty of death. It is not just a philosophical and religious debate, what Hamlet says is a fundamental question for humanity. From Shakespeare's use of soliloquy. we gain insight into Hamlet's mind and his personal dilemmas, allowing us to understand his struggle with his conscience As we also point out with his dilemma between futile values ​​and Christian morality The stage directions are also used to emphasize dark humor. “ digs and sings ”, creating a contrast in the image of the undertaker singing while at work “ This man has no feelings...? ” is In Act 1, Scene 2, Claudio seems like a capable king, demonstrated by his eloquent language "Through still the death of Hamlet, our dear brother... carry our hearts in sorrow", in fact our initial reading of Claudius creates the face of a man who is good for the country. However, Claudio's true essence is revealed through the juxtaposition of “an auspicious eye and a drooping eye,” alluding to his dual personality. This reinforces the “one can smile, smile and be a bad guy” paradox. As a result, Shakespeare is able to explore appearance versus reality, where many characters in Hamlet put up a facade for personal gain, echoing humanity's capacity for deception. Reflecting this, it is Hamlet's adoption of an “old-fashioned disposition” that accentuates a feigned madness in order to safely pursue his revenge “though this be madness, yet there is method in it.” Therefore, Shakespeare colors our understanding and promotes reflection on the human being's capacity for deception