Hamlet and the Psychological Approach

Hamlet and the Psychological approach

After enveloping myself in the world of Shakespeare's tragic play/story of Hamlet, I without a doubt believe that the best way for me to critically analyze the literature is to approach it in a psychological critic mindset. In relations to Hamlet a question keeps intriguing my mind, in which, why does one man choose to carryout revenge, how a lust for power can bend one's own flesh and blood? Another question that I have is whether or not Hamlet is indeed crazy? If so, how would friendship function? Does he have a true friend? If so, who? Does he exhibit the behavior of a real friend?

The first quote that centers itself on the discussion between Polonius and Ophelia in regards to Hamlet's disposition (pg. 79 104-108.) The two characters find Hamlet's behavior strange "...And thrice his head thus waving to Polonius up and down, he raises a sigh so piteous and profound as it did seem to shatter all his bulk and end his being." The reason why this quote would be useful in my psychological analysis of the text is because the scene ties in the plot of the story, but it also allows one to question the emotions one might go through in a situation like the one Hamlet finds himself in. Hamlet undergoes a behavior change once he discovers the treachery of his dear uncle Claudius. To me it seems as though he is unsure about what steps to take to avenge the death of his father it brings up the question of how humans react to certain situations. The discussion between the two characters leads them to speculate as to why Hamlet is behaving in such a melancholy demeanor. They're misdirected beliefs unfortunately provides me with the opportunity to analyze their perspective, and how this changed the dynamics of the story and whether or not I believe it relates to human behavior in real life.

The second quote that I can use to support my thesis relates to the superposition of men, how ones belief in religion and superposition can determine the outcomes of decisions. "I think it be no other but e'en so. Ell may it sort that this portentous figure comes armed through our watch so like the king that was and is the question of these wars." (pg. 15 lines 120-123.) To me it seems as though at the time Shakespeare wrote the play, there was so much emphasis on superposition's and peoples religious convictions, that throughout the book, one can clearly tell that religion was at the back of many of the characters minds in the terms of what they chose to do in certain situations. This brings me back to my critique; it allows me to try to understand how religious beliefs in today's current society, that people are not so likely to center their decisions on religious beliefs as was done in Shakespeare's time. As Hamlets decisions are made by certain events that occur in the play, Hamlet seems to impact many of his friend's beliefs in which its right for him to revenge from his father's death since his religious beliefs requires to do so and also since others believe that he should. Trying to analyze religion in the book allows me to ponder whether or not it was a strong motivator in the decisions the characters carried out.

The last quote that I will bring up in my proposal relates to Hamlet's supposed "friends"; Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. The quotes I chose to go into detail in my proposal deals with certain situations in life that I find meaningful, and that cause men's behavior to dramatically twist and turn into a uncontrollable reaction to the many paths one can take in life. The final quote is the following piece from pg. 97 lines 245 from Hamlet: "As the indifferent children of the earth." The quote is about a conversation Hamlet is having with his friends. The reason why I chose this quote is because I believe the two friends of Hamlet both have a certain relationship with Hamlet that compels them to act in a certain way being in the role of a "friend.: I want to take the time to address "friendship" and how the interactions between friends in the play: Hamlet, relate to life as a whole.

While trying to gather some information on this subject I have found a good example of the psychological approach that Shakespeare is trying to give in this play. "Hamlet does not fulfill this duty until absolutely forced to do so by physical circumstances" this quote I got from the article proves that the way in which Hamlet went into seeking revenge for his father's murder became enlarged by the social interference that was occurring. The ghost for example, it kept creeping up on Hamlet giving him clues, turning him into someone he wasn't by making him do things that were inappropriate for Hamlets lifestyle. The killing of his uncle Claudius was an example of what happened by the ghost. Hamlets view of Claudius represents Hamlet's repressed hostility towards his father as a rival for his mother's affection. This new king- father is the