Topic > Revenge, lack of empathy and lust for power in Shakespeare's Hamlet

The Shakespearean tragedy Hamlet conveys many ideas about the human experience that remain relevant even today. Despite its archaic language and complex form of writing, the emotions and experiences experienced by all the characters are classified as universal human experiences. Although the context is largely situational, the drama addresses common issues of sexism, power struggles, and self-identification that are still pertinent in society. These conflicts can be reflected in any time period, as most of the events that happen in history can be traced back to the same basic motivations and experiences. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original EssayHuman beings show signs of the spotlight effect when they believe they possess important meaning in people's lives, and this is represented through Ophelia's constant belief that Hamlet's misfortune is due to his undying love for her, while in “though this be madness, yet there is method in it.” In most cases, people's poor judgment is a consistent human trait, as people tend to overestimate their significance in the world and base their decisions on their self-image. In the play, all the characters come to the conclusion that Hamlet is going mad, but they fail to decipher the source claiming that his madness is inconvenient. The lack of empathy shown by Claudius towards Hamlet regarding the loss of his father is reflected in their personality which feeds on power and image. In today's society, global catastrophes are often undermined, as people only seek interest in their own personal gain. Calamities such as the rise of concentration camps in Asia and climate change are dismissed as things that will end. It is known that the tendency to neglect such terrible states is the bystander effect, during which there is a decrease in the willingness to help if there are others who can help. A lust for power blinds a person's logic and judgment about the effects it can inflict. not only about themselves but about everyone around them. People strive for power realizing all the implications that come with achieving the position they are in. Idealists tend to think that there is a superficial solution that only touches the surface of the real problem at hand. In the play, King Claudius ignores the true hierarchy and marries Gertrude, without considering how the country will suffer. His own selfishness prevented him from thinking about the nation's well-being in all aspects, putting on a façade that "he could smile and smile and be a villain." Politicians in judicial systems compete for the position that holds the highest power, forgetting the well-being of the nation for which they are responsible. The power struggle often results in negative repercussions for the community, such as violent retaliation from a large-scale conflict or extremes such as poverty and corruption. Even with the advancement of the modern world and advancements in the fields of science and technology, people continue to struggle with an internal conflict of their personal identity as Hamlet did. Life forces people to face an ultimatum to follow their true potential and desire or to please tradition and family. Hamlet stayed to avenge his father instead of pursuing his intelligence. The tendency to opt for morality and what looks good in a photo can prevent people from living their best life. Throughout the play, Hamlet often questions the honor behind it.