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Hamlet Essay Answer NSC Nov 2022

Comprehensive essay response

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Nkosimayibongwe Ncube
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43 views2 pages

Hamlet Essay Answer NSC Nov 2022

Comprehensive essay response

Uploaded by

Nkosimayibongwe Ncube
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Parental Influence on Hamlet's Actions

The complex relationships between children and their parents are undeniably
central to the unfolding tragedy in Shakespeare's Hamlet. The fractured
bonds between Hamlet and his mother, Gertrude, and the absent yet looming
presence of his father, King Hamlet, profoundly shape Hamlet's actions and
ultimately contribute to the play's devastating conclusion. The play
demonstrates how parental failings and unresolved familial conflicts create a
fertile ground for revenge, madness, and ultimately, widespread death.

Gertrude's Hasty Remarriage and its Impact

Gertrude's swift marriage to Claudius, Hamlet's uncle, immediately


establishes a dysfunctional family dynamic. This act of perceived betrayal
deeply wounds Hamlet, fuelling his feelings of disgust and prompting his
famous "Frailty, thy name is woman" soliloquy. Gertrude's actions are not
only a source of personal anguish for Hamlet but also contribute to his
overall sense of moral decay within the Danish court. Her inability to mourn
her deceased husband appropriately and her subsequent complicity in
Claudius's reign further exacerbate Hamlet's internal conflict.

The Ghost's Influence and the Weight of Legacy

The ghost of Hamlet's father, King Hamlet, plays a pivotal role in shaping the
prince's actions. The ghost's revelation of his murder at the hands of
Claudius ignites Hamlet's desire for revenge. However, the ghost's influence
is not entirely benevolent. His insistence on revenge, coupled with his own
questionable morality, pushes Hamlet towards a path of violence and
deception. The weight of his father's legacy, both positive and negative,
becomes a heavy burden for Hamlet to bear, contributing to his mental and
emotional instability.

The Cycle of Dysfunction and its Consequences

The dysfunctional relationships within the royal family are not isolated
incidents; they contribute to a broader cycle of dysfunction that permeates
the entire play. The strained relationship between Polonius and his children,
Ophelia and Laertes, mirrors the problematic dynamics between Hamlet and
his parents. This pattern of parental failings and their subsequent impact on
their children underscores the play's central theme: the destructive
consequences of unresolved familial conflicts. The play's tragic ending, with
multiple deaths and a sense of profound loss, serves as a stark warning
about the devastating impact of broken familial bonds. The cycle of violence
and betrayal is directly linked to the dysfunctional relationships at the heart
of the play, highlighting the lasting and far-reaching consequences of
parental influence.

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