Hamlet the Idol

There is a library of information that I could derive from Hamlet as it is rich in information that is important for everyone. The way Hamlet acts symbolizes each and every one of us. The way Hamlet speaks symbolizes what we want to say. What Hamlet does symbolizes what we wish we could have done. Hamlets tragedies and solutions symbolize our obstacles and goals.

Hamlets verbal interaction with other characters allows for there to be a story. Initially Hamlet is a spoiled brat succumbing to the wants of a mother and a step father. He then transitions into smart-aleck teen that knows everyone’s motive. Then into a pompous adult that is blood thirsty. Many of these changes that we see within Hamlet alone reflect the human being. As soon as a problem hits us across the face we sulk in misery waiting for it to go away. Then we find some information to lead us out of the darkness. Until, Eureka, we find the solution to all of our problems. Then we second-guess ourselves, but we just blow it off and do it anyway. Then we become all high and mighty and know that the outcome is ours. But wait a minute there is one last thing we didn't see coming…then we are dead (at least figuratively.) We didn't think the plan thoroughly enough and we've failed.

College apps are similar, we are stunned by the amount of work we need to do, so we wait. It is finally a week before they are due, that is when we start right? Wrong, we don’t get accepted because we didn't invest the time we had into these applications. Now we are stuck at the community college down the street as our friends are making huge strides for themselves because they thought it out.

Hamlet’s use of tone and diction allows him to manipulate many of the other characters. “Dost thou hear me, old friend; can you play the Murder of Gonzago?” Hamlet uses this instance with one of the players to get him to add a part to the play. The player doesn't question such royalty and does so. Hamlet uses the Player as a pawn to provoke King Claudius and the kingdom at the play so that Claudius’s secret becomes exposed. This is genius manipulation of not just an actor but the manipulation of an entire kingdom. Especially because he already has everyone thinking he is crazy over Hamlet Sr.’s death, nobody will even suspect that Hamlet planned this. This is the plan that was never hatched, by you and me. Hamlet is the envy of many; nobody has the guts or manipulative skills to control and entire town.

This leads me to conclude that Hamlet is an image for what many strive to be or not to be. In the eyes of some he is a monster and in the eyes of others he is a total genius.