Literature Review on Shakespeare's Hamlet

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This document provides a comprehensive literature review of one of William Shakespeare's most renowned tragedies, "Hamlet". The aim of this review is to delve into various scholarly interpretations and critical perspectives of the play. Serious consideration is given to aspects like characterization, themes, cultural impact, and the relevance of the play in contemporary society.

Overview of Hamlet

"Hamlet" is widely regarded as a masterpiece in the world of literature. The protagonist, Prince Hamlet, grapples with the vengeful act of killing his uncle, King Claudius, in response to the ghostly revelation of his father's murder. The complex interplay of existential philosophy, mental instability, and human frailty is delved into, offering rich grounds for critical analysis.

Major Themes in Hamlet

The major themes analyzed in this review include revenge, morality, politics, religion, and madness. In-depth engagement with these themes uncovers the profound layers of Shakespeare's narrative and offers a more complex understanding of the human condition.

Themes in Hamlet	Major Scholarly Discussions
Revenge	Presents a tragic yet inevitable cycle of action and reaction driven by passion rather than reason.
Morality	Centers on the subjective nature of good and evil and the morality of killing in revenge.
Politics	Concentrates on the abuse of power, political corruption, and moral compromise.
Religion	Points out Shakespeare's depiction of the struggle between pagan and Christian values.
Madness	Explores the theme of insanity as a disguise for hidden truths and a reflection of society's neuroses.

Character Analysis

Hamlet, as the protagonist, has been the forward character of this major study. Supporting characters like Claudius, Gertrude, Ophelia, and Polonius, due to their unique characteristics and their influence on the overall narration, are also part of this study.

Cultural Impact and Relevance

Considering the undying popularity of 'Hamlet,' this study is not just confined to analyzing the narrative, but also the cultural impact and the play's relevance in modern society. This segment discusses how the themes and characters of Hamlet have had a profound effect on various cultures, adaptation in films, novels, and plays, and significant influence in other art forms.

Conclusion

This literature review represents a thorough analysis and understanding of 'Hamlet' from multiple perspectives. It not only provides a scholarly view of the narrative itself but also highlights its cultural and contemporary relevance providing a holistic comprehension of 'Hamlet' and its timeless appeal.

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