Hamlet - a Literary Analysis

Numerous writers throughout history have used the characters of their literature to display certain aspects of human nature. William Shakespeare was no exception. Shakespeare wrote many plays that contained characters that represented specific areas of human nature. Within one of his best known works, Hamlet, Shakespeare creates such a vivid and in-depth view of the characters that each one can clearly represent some area of human nature. The characters show aspects such as hatred, revenge, anger, and even excessive pride. Specifically, Hamlet's actions and speech make it very easy to delineate the parts of human nature he represents. As the play progresses, it becomes very clear that Hamlet has some major character flaws, but through these flaws the reader is able to distinguish certain things his character provides about human nature.

Hamlet is a very complicated character in the play. His anger and thirst for revenge for his father's death drives his actions throughout the play. As the need for revenge starts to pulse through Hamlet's blood, he becomes increasingly angry and this need for revenge eventually results in his own death. His passion for revenge destroys his logic and begins to affect his thought process as shown in many situations when Hamlet over thinks certain things. Throughout the play Hamlet has the ability to take action at certain times. However, Hamlet does not take advantage of these moments. His inability to take action when action is necessary such as when he has the opportunity to get his revenge on Claudius gives the reader a very clear image of Hamlet's character. Moreover his inability to act also gives the reader a look at human nature and how people who do not act when necessary do not get anywhere in life. Hamlet's thirst for revenge also gives the reader a chance to see how it is only human nature to want revenge, but if a person lets it consume them then it can only lead to more problems for them.