Hillary Schwartz and Ling Zhang Ms. Ling AP Literature & Composition-Period 9 March 18, 2011
Hamlet Abstract
Essay original title: “In Defense of Hamlet” Citation via www.easybib.com Utter, Jr., Robert Palfrey. "In Defense of Hamlet." College English. 3rd ed. Vol. 12. National Council of Teachers of English. 138-44. JStor. Web. 17 Mar. 2011. .
Abstract: The article opens with a discussion of two critical theories concerning Hamlet. The first claims that he was insane and weak whereas the second states that he was a highly intelligent hero. The author believes in the latter theory. He will even go so far as to say that Hamlet’s moral dilemma is the central focus of the play. Some believe that in writing Hamlet, Shakespeare was criticizing the medieval desire to seek revenge through violence and murder. The author points out that Hamlet “is an outstandingly moral man. He alone of all people in the court objects to his mother’s marriage on moral grounds” (140). Hamlet is also opposed to “heavy drinking” (140). Like Shakespeare, Hamlet is very much ahead of his time. For Hamlet, killing Claudius is a difficult topic to consider and is not merely a question of the “eye for an eye and tooth for a tooth” issue (140). Hamlet, “the moral man, the thinker, the idealist”, respects only his deceased father and not the other power-hungry men in the Danish royal family. Hamlet is considered respectable for choosing a spiritual solution (turning to God). In Act V, Hamlet repeatedly speaks of being guided by God. Even though Hamlet dies, by turning to God he wins his moral struggle. Although many criticize his deliberation, he kills Claudius at the perfect time. Before the king’s death, only the audience is aware of his crimes.
Ms. Ling
AP Literature & Composition-Period 9
March 18, 2011
Hamlet Abstract
Essay original title: “In Defense of Hamlet”
Citation via www.easybib.com
Utter, Jr., Robert Palfrey. "In Defense of Hamlet." College English. 3rd ed. Vol. 12. National Council of Teachers of English. 138-44. JStor. Web. 17 Mar. 2011. .
Abstract:
The article opens with a discussion of two critical theories concerning Hamlet. The first claims that he was insane and weak whereas the second states that he was a highly intelligent hero. The author believes in the latter theory. He will even go so far as to say that Hamlet’s moral dilemma is the central focus of the play. Some believe that in writing Hamlet, Shakespeare was criticizing the medieval desire to seek revenge through violence and murder. The author points out that Hamlet “is an outstandingly moral man. He alone of all people in the court objects to his mother’s marriage on moral grounds” (140). Hamlet is also opposed to “heavy drinking” (140). Like Shakespeare, Hamlet is very much ahead of his time. For Hamlet, killing Claudius is a difficult topic to consider and is not merely a question of the “eye for an eye and tooth for a tooth” issue (140). Hamlet, “the moral man, the thinker, the idealist”, respects only his deceased father and not the other power-hungry men in the Danish royal family. Hamlet is considered respectable for choosing a spiritual solution (turning to God). In Act V, Hamlet repeatedly speaks of being guided by God. Even though Hamlet dies, by turning to God he wins his moral struggle. Although many criticize his deliberation, he kills Claudius at the perfect time. Before the king’s death, only the audience is aware of his crimes.