Hamlet as So Much More Than a Traditional Revenge Tragedy...

Hamlet as So Much More Than a Traditional Revenge Tragedy Although Shakespeare wrote Hamlet closely following the conventions of a traditional revenge tragedy, he goes far beyond this form in his development of Hamlets character. Shakespeares exploration of Hamlets complex thoughts and emotions is perhaps more the focus of the play rather than that of revenge, thus in Hamlet Shakespeare greatly develops and enhances the form of the traditional revenge tragedy. The main source of Hamlet is Saxo Grammaticus Historiae Danicae, a folk tale that has a similar plot to Hamlet; however, Shakespeare greatly transforms this story of revenge when creating Hamlet. Shakespeare also draws upon†¦show more content†¦The revenge ghost is a convention Kyd took from Senecas tragedies, and in fact, Don Andrea has similar parallels to the ghost of Achilles in Senecas play Troades. The first appearance of the old kings ghost in the opening scene of Hamlet would have been suggestive of a revenge tragedy to an Elizabethan audience. However, the ghost does not demand revenge as Don Andrea does, but rather adds to the uncertainty and sense of foreboding in the scene. The play begins in a bitter cold night, bringing a sense of pathetic fallacy to the scene, as the setting adds to the sense of trouble in Denmark, as described by Horatio and Marcellus. It is not until Act I, Scene V that the ghost appears to Hamlet, demanding revenge [for] his foul and most unnatural murder, and thus introducing the theme of revenge in Hamlet. Although Hamlet proclaims that [he will] sweep to [his] revenge, he does not take his revenge until the final scene of the play. Hamlets inaction and delay of his revenge is paralleled in The Spanish Tragedy, however the reasons for delay in Hamlet are somewhat different. In The Spanish Tragedy, immediately after Hieronimo discovers his sons body he claims that it is only in revenge [his] heart would find relief, andShow MoreRelatedEssay on Heroes and Revenge in Hamlet and The Spanish Tragedy1389 Words   |  6 PagesHeroes and Revenge in Hamlet and The Spanish Tragedy In Elizabethan drama, it was accepted that the villains of the piece would, because of their evil methods and aims, be revealed and punished - in other words, justice would be served. The problem, however, arises when the heroes of the piece use the same methods as the villains. I use the term hero warily, as the traditional hero of a revenge tragedy is one who would at first seem completely unsuited to a revenging role; Heironimo is portrayedRead MoreThe Libation Bearers and Hamlet1308 Words   |  6 PagesThe Libation Bearers and Hamlet Many of Shakespeare’s plays draw from classical Greek themes, plot and metaphors. 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