The Impossibility Of Certainty In Shakespeare's Hamlet

“Literature adds to reality, it does not simply describe it. It enriches the necessary competencies that daily life requires and provides” (Lewis, N.A). Literature is an integral part of contemporary society, as it is seen everywhere. And as literature has been around for countless years, it has been shaped in different ways to fit with the social understanding of the time. And as these literature pieces provide strong and meaningful messages, they have been reinterpreted to fit within modern society. They introduce classic themes and ideas to a wider demographic, yet present them in an interesting or entertaining manner. A prime example would be the excellent Shakespearian play, Hamlet, which presents a variety of different themes relevant
After he was notified by the spirit of his father that he was murdered in cold blood, Prince Hamlet devotes himself to finding the killer. However he remains very sceptical and unsure throughout his journey, questioning whether or not he shouldn’t perform such a tragic act due to the lack of information he currently has on the situation. Thus presenting the theme of the impossibility of certainty, meaning that many questions arise, yet do not have solid answers. Can one be sure that these ghosts truly exist? Are they a figment of our imagination? Are these ghosts providing a truthful answer? How can we know certain facts of a crime that has no witnesses? All these questions have a purpose, that being and more present Hamlet with even more questions, and the inability to know if anything is certain. This theme directly relates to both The Lion King and contemporary society, as it explicitly shows how many uncertainties our lives are built
How is it possible to take reasonable, effective, purposeful action? As throughout, action is not only affected by rational considerations, but also ethical, physiological and emotional factors. Within the play, Hamlet appears baffled by the idea that one could possibly act in a controlled, purposeful way. For when he performs an action, it is usually done recklessly and through pure rage and blindness. In comparison to other characters, they think less of the “action” than Hamlet; , they simply act when they feel they appropriate which they are therefore less troubled about acting effectively. Society can benefit from this theme, as this remains a socially pressing topic within modern society, how individuals act and how they are judged for their actions is a part of everyday life. Therefore showing the importance of this theme within contemporary society.LINKING