External and Internal Conflict in Hamlet Essay - 779 Words

Individual reactions to situations of external or internal conflict are 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 that his uncle Claudius is his fathers murderer and the knowledge that he must take revenge. Hamlets responses to these external conflicts and his own internal views proclaim 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 mothers quick marriage to his uncle Claudius, who is now King. Hamlet is emotional and melancholy, and he considers suicide because he wonders†¦show more content†¦His reactions to these external events and forces show Hamlets true 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 considers 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. 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 impulsively 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 genuine 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 Hamlets knowledge of him, and Hamlet is a threat to him. Hamlet manages to escape with the pirates andShow MoreRelatedInternal And External Conflicts In Hamlet959 Words   |  4 Pages Conflict is indispensable to drama. Show that the inward conflicts are equally important as the outward conflict in the play. Hamlet faces both internal and external conflicts from the beginning of the play. In the play, the inner and outer conflicts of Hamlet seem to arise from the death of his father, King Hamlet, by his uncle, now King Claudius. Since Hamlets’ life pervades with conflicts as the confusion he faces essentially becomes the main focus of the play. However, Hamlet contains a diverseRead MoreEssay on Internal and External Conflict in Hamlet933 Words   |  4 PagesIn the play Hamlet by William Shakespeare conflict plays a very significant role. The play’s main protagonist, Hamlet, possesses both internal and external conflict due to the fact that he is fighting his inner conscience and suppressing his inner emotions, and he is seeking revenge on and conflicting with many other characters in the play. These internal and external conflicts this character is experiencing affect those around him. They also shape the events that occur in the drama and contributeRead MoreInternal Con flict And External Conflict In Shakespeares Hamlet711 Words   |  3 PagesConflict is indispensable to drama and is necessary to interest the reader on the receiving end of the dramatic work. In William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the protagonist, Hamlet, exhibits certain responses to external conflicts, which provoke internal conflicts and assert his character. 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