Hamlets as a Tragic Hero

Tragic Senses in Hamlet
In the play Hamlet by William Shakespeare, the playwright is set with a tragic tone in a corrupt society. Hamlet, a grieving prince, is the central character whose wrongdoing, if it can be called that, is not obliging to his megalomaniac uncle who murdered his own brother for power. Movingly, the play’s theme of how one’s tragic flaw will inevitably lead to self-destruction demonstrates that even with the best intentions in mind, ones actions will be considered a crime in a biased civilization, like olden Denmark, until proven otherwise. The significance of this theme helps prove, along with Vindenov’s essay, how Hamlet fits the tragic hero role.
Initially, Hamlet exemplifies all five of the characteristics that Aristotle has said defines a tragic hero. Catharsis, Noble Status, Goodness, Hamartia and Consistency are the key characteristics (Wimmer). Catharsis is shown heavily throughout Hamlets character as the reader feels the most pity for him. The internal conflict he is going through and not knowing how to act on all of the recent events that have happened makes the audience more engaged and liking this character more. Hamlet is struggling morally throughout the play and this evokes an emotional connection with the reader to him. Hamlet is from noble status as he is the late King of Denmark’s son and heir to throne. There is goodness is his heart and he is not overly virtuous. “A tragic hero should be neither better nor worse morally than normal people” (In class note) which accurately describes Hamlets personality. It becomes evident to the reader that Hamlet is well liked by the civilians when Claudius says “He’s loved of the distracted multitude” (Shakespeare IV.iii.4). Hamlets hamartia, or tragic flaw, is his incessant brooding and contemplation, which perpetuates his idle nature and results in his demise. He had a clear chance to kill Claudius while he was praying but Hamlets introspective personality cost him a chance to...