Hamlet Conflicts

Individual response to conditions of external or internal conflict is reflected in much of literature. In the play Hamlet by William Shakespeare, the character of Hamlet must deal with both external and internal conflict. He faces the death of his father, the knowledge thta his uncle Claudius is his father's murderer and the knowledge that he must take revenge. Hamlet's responses to these external conflicts and his own internal views reveal his nature and character. Hamlet is very distraught and grief stricken for the death of his father the King of Denmark. As well, he is upset with his mother's quick marriage to his uncle Claudius, who is now King. Hamlet is emotional and melancholy, and in his first soliloquy ponders suicide because he wonders what the use there is in living with what he sees as madness around him. Nothing makes sense to him. His reactions to his mother and his uncle's entreaties to put on a more positive attitude are critical and, if you like, often bitingly witty. Hamlet shows that he cares about his father very much because he refuses to put on a show of cheer--his father is dead. He also shows his sensitibity when he talks about wanting to die, and intelligence with his plays on words when speaking with the king and queen. These responses tell of Hamlet's character. Hamlet meets his father's ghost who tells him that Claudius poisoned him, and demands that Hamlet seek revenge. Hamlet shows his bravery when he encounters this unknown force of the supernatural. The ghost confirms Hamlet's suspicions of Claudius and he begins to feign madness until he can devise a plan of revenge. Polonius, advisor to the king, meanwhile believes Hamlet's condition stems from his separation from Ophelia, Polonius' daughter, whom Polonius has forbidden to see Hamlet. When Polonius tries to talk to prince Hamlet, Hamlet is evading, critical and playful with this old man whom he does not like. Hamlet shows his childish nature, but also his slyness in his acting or pretending to be mad. His reactions to these external events and forces show Hamlet's varied character. Throughout the play, Hamlet is dealing with conflict within himself. When Hamlet finds that he must take revenge on Claudius, he is unsure whether there is any point in having to kill, to take another human life, and whether he would be able to handle this. Hamlet fights inside himself. Is this right? Is this his duty? He ponders suicide again, "To be or not to be, that is the question." Hamlet shows his philosophical nature, and talks himself out of the idea of suicide, fearing the unknown beyond. He is thoughtful and intelligent and not first a man of action. This is seen in Hamlet's internal conflict. Hamlet soon resolves to take action. He sets up a play to trap Claudius so he can find out if the ghost was telling the truth. This is his intelligence and craft. He will not rashly commit murder because of the word of a ghost who seemed to be his dead father. When he meets with his mother later he is very angry and emotional and kills Polonius believing it was Claudius. Hamlet shows himself to be a man of action before thought in this case. He is rather cold that he is not terribly sorry about this accidental death but does show sincere caring concern for his mother which leads him to fits of intense emotion. Hamlet then finds himself on a ship to England, sailing to his death. Claudius becomes aware of Hamlet's knowledge of him, and Hamlet is a threat to him. Hamlet manages to escape with the pirates and finds his way back to Denmark. Hamlet shows ingenuity and also skill at dealing with people and even pirates. When he arrives he finds out that Ophelia has drowned and displays his love for her in the grave scene. Although he treated her rather harshly earlier he shows some depth and maturity with this profession. He also shows disdain for Ophelia's brother's over-display of emotion. With the gravedigger he philosophizes more about death. A duel is set up between Laertes and Hamlet, as part of Claudius' plan to kill Hamlet, and Laertes' own duty to revenge his father Polonius' death. The duel is rigged but Hamlet shows his physical skill at fencing. Even so, Hamlet is pricked by the poison-tipped weapon and is told that he will die. He handles this without panic, forgives Laertes showing an admirable quality, and finally carries out revenge upon Claudius. All these external happenings and conflicts reveal Hamlet's character. Hamlet's responses to the conflicts around and inside himself show him to be a noble and complicated character. He deals with the death of his father, the knowledge that his uncle killed his father, and that he himself must kill Claudius. In many stories, as well as Hamlet, individual response to external and internal conflict is illustrated.