Hamlet - a Universal Man
The tragedy and situation in the play Hamlet' has been commented on as universal.' Audiences of many different cultures can enjoy Hamlet' even though it is set in an alien culture to them. The reasons for this are that many people can relate to the play, they feel that they are living though a profound experience, even if nothing in the plot of Hamlet has ever happened to them. The experience of Hamlet' is not restricted to the plot and its characters.
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<br>A large factor in this universal acceptance is that the main character, Hamlet, around whom the entire play revolves, is realist and universal' himself. In this Hamlet is merely a reflection of aspects found in all men, he is a symbol for how any man would act given the situation. If he reacts the way you would react, that makes him a very easy to relate to and sympathetic character.
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<br>This does not mean that Hamlet reflects the common man and his action, or Rosencrantz and Guildenstern would be more probable universal men.' Hamlet reflects what the common man wishes and feels he could do if he were given the chance. Hamlet is 'superhuman' in this sense. He is able to find the strength to act though his tragic situation with out giving in to easier ways and temptations along the way. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are more common man than universal, for though they have loyalty to Hamlet as they have been his friends for many years, they still have their own ambition.
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<br>(Gertrude) "Your visitation may receive such thanks
<br>As fits a king's remembrance
<br>(Rosencrantz) by the sovereign power you have of us,
<br>(Guildenstern) Heaven make our presence and our practices
<br>Pleasant and helpful to him! [Hamlet]" (Act1, Scene2)
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<br>They make a choice, and like Judas, they make the wrong' one. They do not stand strong and faithful to Hamlet, but act on King Claudius's behalf, in hope of recognition. This is a common' man' action, to take the favorable route on the behalf of personal
<br>
<br>A large factor in this universal acceptance is that the main character, Hamlet, around whom the entire play revolves, is realist and universal' himself. In this Hamlet is merely a reflection of aspects found in all men, he is a symbol for how any man would act given the situation. If he reacts the way you would react, that makes him a very easy to relate to and sympathetic character.
<br>
<br>This does not mean that Hamlet reflects the common man and his action, or Rosencrantz and Guildenstern would be more probable universal men.' Hamlet reflects what the common man wishes and feels he could do if he were given the chance. Hamlet is 'superhuman' in this sense. He is able to find the strength to act though his tragic situation with out giving in to easier ways and temptations along the way. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are more common man than universal, for though they have loyalty to Hamlet as they have been his friends for many years, they still have their own ambition.
<br>
<br>(Gertrude) "Your visitation may receive such thanks
<br>As fits a king's remembrance
<br>(Rosencrantz) by the sovereign power you have of us,
<br>(Guildenstern) Heaven make our presence and our practices
<br>Pleasant and helpful to him! [Hamlet]" (Act1, Scene2)
<br>
<br>They make a choice, and like Judas, they make the wrong' one. They do not stand strong and faithful to Hamlet, but act on King Claudius's behalf, in hope of recognition. This is a common' man' action, to take the favorable route on the behalf of personal