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Hamlet Renaissance Ideals in Shakespeare's Term Paper

Pages:6 (1521 words)

Sources:7

Subject:History

Topic:Renaissance Period

Document Type:Term Paper

Document:#3206906


Though Hamlet can, and does, clearly make a difference in the situation on the physical plane, he may or may not have achieved any change in the world beyond the grave. Hamlet's death at the end of the play ensures that, though Hamlet will inevitably answer all of his metaphysical questions by entering the realm of the dead himself, he is unable to provide any comfort or information to the audience. The difference he made in the physical world, though radical, may only be the very beginning of the events to unfold in the afterlife.

Though there are many other ways in which Hamlet reflects the ideals of the Renaissance, the concept and consideration of death are prominent throughout the work. Shakespeare is able to contemplate these highly Renaissance considerations though a troubled soul to whom the audience can easily relate to -- at least emotionally, if not through the specific events of the play. Hamlet's death only serves to further punctuate that fact that, though we may contemplate the idea of death day in and day out, driving us to an inevitable insanity, the truth comes only at the point of a sword.

Works Cited

Johnson, Paul. The Renaissance: A Short History. New York: Modern Library, 2002.

Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Washington: Washington Square Press,…


Sample Source(s) Used

Works Cited

Johnson, Paul. The Renaissance: A Short History. New York: Modern Library, 2002.

Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Washington: Washington Square Press, 2003.

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