Hamlets Softer Side Essay -- Literary Analysis, Shakespeare

Throughout Shakespeares hamlet, the titular character settlement acts as an indecisive, theatrical college man, but this personality does not completely characterize him. In many instances, Hamlet proves himself to be an understanding and compassionate prince towards his confidants. Because many of his friends and family have disappointed him, Hamlet puts on a persona that divulges his conflicting nature in which he acts crazy but is really sane. Before Hamlet puts on his fictitious play, he gives an honest speech to Horatio that reveals Hamlets more or less sensitive traits. Hamlet begins his list of praise by explicitly stating that his following words do not flatter Horatio. Since Horatio has no revenue but thy good spirits/ To feed and clothe thee, Hamlet sees no need to flatter him (III.ii.60-61). In what seems like an insult at Horatios poverty, Hamlet actually praises Horatios cheerful attitude. Hamlets clever metaphor implies that he humbles himself before Horatios abili ty to put on a happy face. This acknowledgement of a positive outlook on life exposes Hamlets own demeanor as a merriment loving man. Hamlet wishes he could act like Horatio in the same upbeat fashion and conduct himself in his natural behavior unlike his measuring pessimistic state. He continues his masked praise with a jab at courtiers who constantly flatter Hamlet in hopes for a reward. Since Hamlet is a violet prince, he is prone to receive many compliments and bows from people with hidden agendas. To assure Horatio that he means well, Hamlet believes that precisely the candied tongue should thrash about absurd pomp/ And crook the pregnant hinges of the knee (III.ii.62-63). Hamlets language illustrates a young child that wants candy and flatters to achieve some an... ... of the most vulnerable and tender moments in Hamlets dialogues. As Hamlets softer image emerges, he adds new dimension to his personality in which he is not only the angry and crazy son but the loving and kind friend. However, Hamlet behaves more maniacally than benevolently in the play, and this speech is only a small portion of Hamlets speeches. Hamlet cannot linger in this exposed state and feel something too much of this-- (III.ii.76). Although Hamlet pours his sum total out to Horatio, the situation becomes slightly uncomfortable, and Hamlet moves on to his big production. These lines reveal more of Hamlets personality but also add more mystery as the reader never gets to know this Hamlet for very long. The most interesting part of Hamlet is overlooked and fosters an incomplete picture of Hamlet that is too often emotional and too often misunderstood.