Hamlet As A Turning Point Essay - 1528 Words

In Aristotle’s Poetics, he discusses the elements that are involved in making a great tragedy, specifically. His methods have been followed by many a playwright, even if they do not decide this consciously. Shakespeare is somewhat of an outlier, generally defying much of the traditional rules set forth. Even so, Shakespeare’s plays can still show signs of Aristotle’s elements, and his methods can provide a deeper reading into plot, character, thought (theme), diction, song, and spectacle. By analyzing Hamlet, by William Shakespeare, using Aristotle’s six elements and his definition of a turning point, one is able to uncover Hamlet’s false madness and see that his true intentions are set on revenge. The six elements are described as the†¦show more content†¦These two are essential to each other because plot informs character, while character moves the plot along. In Hamlet, the main character and protagonist of Hamlet does just that. He has many obstacles to overcome, and his actions are what drive the plot forward. For example, because Hamlet made the decision to bring the players to put on a scene similar to the event of his father’s murder, he is able to discern that Claudius is the killer because of his reaction to the play. After this occurrence, Hamlet is driven to enact revenge of Claudius, finally having proof. Hamlet provides the clear conflict which gives the play its arc. Without him, the play would cease to be. The third element is thought, or theme. This aspect is the central idea of the play. In Hamlet, one of the many themes is revenge. Revenge is what drives Hamlet to seek justice and to not stop until his father’s murderer is dead. This th eme is present throughout the course of the play and is not concluded until Hamlet kills Claudius in the final scenes, as well as also killing himself. Hamlet’s faà §ade is further shown through diction. Diction being the language of the play, Hamlet uses mainly verse. Verse was generally reserved for the upper-class, and in his case, royalty. As Prince of Denmark, the other characters in the play expect him to speak and hold himself in a certain manner. But when there are moments where Hamlet seems mad orShow MoreRelatedTurning Points in Hamlet Essay1065 Words   |  5 PagesThere are three possible turning points in Hamlet: the players scene when Claudius guilt concerning the murder of King Hamlet is confirmed; the prayer scene when Hamlet forgoes the opportunity to kill Claudius; and the closet scene where Hamlet first takes action, but kills Polonius inadvertently. In the players scene, the ghosts story is proved to be true, allowing Hamlet to avenge his fathers murder. 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