The Duality of Hamlet’s Character Portrayed in...

One of the first images that are created to further Shakespeare’s investigation of humanity is created by Hamlet in his first soliloquy. This simple comparison brings to life the feeling that the treachery and corruption surrounding him is enveloping all that he is familiar with. No longer is he able to see the metaphorical flowers of joy and prosperity that were once so familiar and comforting to him as they are becoming increasingly obscured by the rampant weeds of vile corruption. Hamlet furthers his emotional outpouring when he wishes that his â€Å"flesh would melt, Thaw and resolve itself into a dew.† He clearly wishes not to deal with the corruption that has grown thick around him. He goes as far as to offer his life for such an escape.†¦show more content†¦The duality of Hamlet’s character is constant throughout the whole book, from the time when he sees the ghost till the end at his death. Hamlet, who is killed by poison, presents an entirely di fferent message. He dies with the knowledge and respect â€Å"Heaven make thee free of it† (Hamlet V II). This respectable death not only promises him a prosperous memory on Earth, but it leads one to believe that he will also be well treated in the afterlife. Hamlet was a murderer, but this seems unimportant in the light of his motivations. He sought to do what he thought was honorable to society, and this is what Shakespeare rewards him for. He avoided the desires for power that controlled Claudius and remained true to an honorable path. Shakespeare clearly presented the idea of unselfish ethics to be one of the highest esteem. Hamlet was a hero not because of his ability to achieve revenge, but because his intentions throughout his journey were rooted above self-satisfaction. The various mentalities seen through out the play were brought to an end that was purchased with the value of their respective characters as determined by Shakespeare. Hamlet’s story lives on with honor while those who possessed an insincere character died with disgrace. The moral journey that Hamlet embarks upon proves that the ambitions of a petty person are to be looked down upon in light of theShow MoreRelatedAn Analysis of Marius the Epicurian and the Picture of Dorian Gray2332 Words   |  10 PagesWalter Pater with their children The Picture of Dorian Gray and other works of Oscar Wilde and Marius the Epicurean. Oscar Wildes The Picture of Dorian Gray was written during the late nineteenth century England. The protogonist Dorian Gray is portrayed as a paragon of youth and beauty whose aristocracy and charisma inspire his surroundings, particularly an artist called Basil Hallward. Dorian poses for him and one day while again posing to Basil, he is introduced to a cycnical philosopher and