Death is inevitable. It is the most certain thing we as humans understand. Of course there is also much we do not understand about death and thus we are fascinated by it. Hamlet and Shakespeare are no exceptions to this human obsession. Death seems to be an all consuming topic in Hamlet and that is what I will be discussing. But it is much to broad to talk about generally so I will mainly be talking about how Shakespeare's thoughts on fate drive this obsession. How his idea that we are all set on a predestined and unchangeable path from the beginning, and that every path ends inevitably in death.
There are many things that point to this idea within the play. Hamlet's contemplation of suicide (pg.29+97). Also the casualness with which Hamlet regards certain deaths versus others. This could definitely be due to his ideas about fate. As well the way our decisions are nothing but illusions. We may think we are shaping our future but it has already been decided for us. This is evident in his decision not to kill the king during prayer. And the biggest thing that I want to discuss is how fate, no matter how it guides us, directs us all to the same end because death is the great equalizer. (pg. 251) I have actually already written my first draft so these are the main points I have covered in my paper and in addition I have included my opinion on Shakespeare's broader message. But any feedback would be awesome, if anyone has any other passages that refer to death that I have not already mentioned herein.
As well here are some other passages I will use to discuss the idea of fate: (pg. 271-72) (pg.259).
I like how you bring fate into this. Death is definitely brought up a lot in this play. I like how you use the "broader message" to bring it all together. Definitely use the quote where Hamlet says that everything is decided by fate. Great job! (ps...this is a very vague comment, sorry).
ReplyDeleteRachel, I really like your blog so far. I think your topic is very interesting and unique. Throughout reading this novel I never pondered the fact that his fate led to death. I would recommend talking about the to be or not to be speech, and also the speech about having him wish for his skin to turn into nothing etc...
DeleteIt sounds like your first draft is already pretty solid, look forward to reading your final draft! xo
Rachel this is an amazing thesis/topic.You have a really strong idea and I enjoy all of your ideas. I think that you could potentially bring up the fact that Hamlet doesn't seem to show any real guilt over the fact that he murdered Polonious.
ReplyDeleteRachel, nice blog! I like how you decided to write about death with the theme of fate as support. If you're looking to lengthen your paper you could possibly add on about how Claudius's death was also inevitable and perhaps was even karma for killing the king in the first place. Could be tough to weave in your essay considering that you already wrote it but just a suggestion.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely horrific. I havent read any blog that was more despicable than this one. this is going to be a F++.
ReplyDeletei guess if i had to recommend anything that can help this already dying paper, i guess you should use the "To be or not to be speech" because that kind of talks about what you're looking for.
But all i can say is god help this paper.
Rachel,
ReplyDeleteGiven that you've already written your 1st draft (the one that will be peer reviewed on Friday) I'll hold off on commenting until I see Monday's first formal draft. I look forward to it!