Hamlet’s Indecisiveness

Shakespeare wrote Hamlet and created his character as someone who would lead to his own tragic death. He had many flaws that lead to his eventual death, however there was one that he should have been able overcome. He could over come his indecisiveness, most people would be able to overcome it in their lives but Hamlet could not. In the play, Hamlet is supposed to be portrayed as brave and intelligent but looking deep into the play it is seen that Hamlet is more of a coward and an indecisive man through out most of the play.

Hamlet doesn’t know what he is doing in his life because he can’t act upon his father’s murder. King Claudius kills Hamlet’s father, so Hamlet is in a confused as to how he will get revenge. He wants to do what it takes to avenge his father’s death. "Revenge his foul and most unnatural murder," demands the ghost in (Act I, scene 5, line 23). The ghost tells hamlet he needs to kill King Claudius but Hamlet is to busy consumed in all the problems he has, that he doesn’t act at the right time.

He had many chances to do something about King Claudius but didn’t because he was too indecisive about it. For example: when the King is kneeling paying Hamlet has a chance to kill him but he doesn’t. He talks himself out of murdering him, and instead makes a play to see if he is guilty. Hamlet talks to the actors of the play and decides to make them act out his father’s murder. The makes the actors act out exactly what the ghost had told him. “Speak the speech, I pray you, as I pronounced it to you, trippingly on the tongue.

But if you mouth it, as many of your players do, I had as lief the town crier spoke my lines. Nor do not saw the air too much with your hand thus, but use all gently, for in the very torrent, tempest, and whirlwind of passion, you must acquire and beget a temperance that may give it smoothness”(Act 3, scene 2, line 1). Hamlet decides his uncle is guilty after seeing his reaction to the play and still doesn’t do anything about it. Hamlet never spoke up at the right time; he stayed quiet about everything.

During the play, Claudius yells, "Give me some light. Away" and Hamlet was sure of his uncle's guilt (Act III, Scene 2, Line 152). Claudius was guilty and Hamlet should have taken advantage of Claudius being on the spot, but he didn’t. He went to go talk to his mother and gave time for Claudius to think what he should do. Hamlets indecisiveness cost him a lot. Most people can be decisive and make decisions when they are in favor of the person making the decision. Everyone has to make choices in their lives and they always do it in their favor.

People lie and cheat to save themselves, but Hamlet cant do this. In this world everyone looks out for there own best interests and make decisions based on that. Its simple you need to be decisive to make decisions to progress in your life. Hamlet’s lack of being able to do this cost him his life. It not only cost him his life but others too. If Hamlet was able to act quickly he could have saved himself. In the end hamlet does get revenge but it’s at the cost of his own life, which could have been avoided.

Related Questions

on Hamlet’s Indecisiveness

What is the indecisiveness of Hamlet?

Hamlet's indecisiveness is a major theme throughout the play. He is constantly struggling with his own thoughts and feelings, unable to make a decision or take action. He is torn between his desire for revenge and his fear of the consequences of his actions. His inner turmoil leads to a great deal of procrastination and inaction, which ultimately leads to his downfall.

How does Hamlet's indecisiveness lead to his downfall?

Hamlet's indecisiveness leads to his downfall because he is unable to make a decision about how to handle the situation with his uncle and father's death. He vacillates between wanting to take revenge and wanting to let justice take its course, and this ultimately leads to his death. Additionally, his inability to make a decision leads to the death of many of his friends and family members.

Is Hamlet for or against being indecisive?

Hamlet is generally against being indecisive. He is often frustrated by his own inability to make decisions and take action. He is aware of the consequences of his indecision and is determined to take action, even if it means facing death.

What quotes showing Hamlet's indecisiveness?

One of the most famous quotes showing Hamlet's indecisiveness is "To be, or not to be: that is the question." This quote highlights Hamlet's inner struggle between life and death, and his inability to make a decision. Another quote is "Ay, there's the rub," which shows Hamlet's reluctance to take action due to the potential consequences.

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Hamlet’s Indecisiveness. (2016, Aug 22). Retrieved from https://phdessay.com/hamlets-indecisiveness/

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