Abstract
Hamlet is the most renowned tragedy among Shakespeare’s four great tragedies. Ever since its publication and presence onto the stage, it has aroused persistent interest in both readers and audiences. The multiple research methodologies on the complex image of the protagonist has expanded to cover sociology, psychology, person-ology, etc. Freud, founder of psychoanalytic psychology, is a pioneer in applying his theory on interpreting Hamlet. He beholds that the delay and hesitation in Hamlet’s vengeance is due to the constraint of Oedipus Complex; in the 18th century, there was a viewpoint that Hamlet’s procrastination is necessary in plotting the play; another prevalent opinion proposes that, being the representative of advanced capitalist humanists, the huge contrast between his ideal world and social reality results Hamlet’s tardy in action; furthermore, Hamlet is “a soul unfit” for his revenge mission. On the interpretation of the tragic significance in Hamlet, whether psychoanalysis of Oedipus Complex within Hamlet’s subconsciousness, or analysis of his limitations as a capitalist humanism representative in the context of his age, many researches seem to boil down to Hamlet’s procrastination.
Based on precedent studies, combing the characteristics of his personality and the historical background of humanism, this paper illustrates the complicated image of Hamlet and analyses the promotions his procrastination makes in developing the plot. Through close reading, the mirroring of other characters into the image of Hamlet in different phases is perceived, who are respectively offset against the hero. This paper will concentrates on the contrast and comparison between Hamlet and Claudius, Laertes, Ophelia and Fortinbras, who are indications of the moanful destiny of the hero, and also expression of the tragic significance of the play.
Key words: Hamlet, procrastination, overlapping, comparison, tragedy
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