The role of parents in Hamlet have been very significant throughout the play thus far. They play a part in both the apparent and underlying plots in the story. They drive their children's actions which leads to plot twists and overall makes Hamlet interesting as we watch these tragic and sometimes strange interactions between parent and child.
The most obvious and perhaps important parent role in the play is that of Old Hamlet's. The kings role as a good father in his life, and a driving force of Hamlet's developing insanity after his death sets off the plot of the play. Hamlet is driven by the love he felt for his dead father and the anger instilled in him by the ghost to plot against Claudius throughout the play. Gertrude's role as Hamlet's mother differs greatly than the role of his father. By marrying Claudius she gives Hamlet reason to feel that women are weak and makes him distrust them. She also most likely attributes to Hamlet's unusual interest in his mother's sexuality. I think this is because her actions in the play have led to Hamlet's literal disgust with the idea of her as a sexual being. This probably has to do with his anger at how she betrayed his father.
Polonius' role as Ophelia and Laertes' father is also significant in the play. Polonius does everything in his power to be in total control of his daughter. He takes great interest in her relationship with Hamlet and even commands to take certain actions in the relationship. This treatment leads to Ophelia's fate toward the end of the play. She loses her mind because there was no longer a man in her life to control and manipulate it. Polonius' traits are apparent in his son. Polonius was a man of action. For example, instead of sitting around wondering how Laertes was behaving in Paris he sends someone to spy on him. This type of action is seen in Laertes when he responds to his father's death by bursting in the castle with an angry mob.
A less evident parental role influencing the play that of Old Fortinbras. Although Old Fortinbras is dead upon the beginning of the play readers have to assume his influence upon Prince Fortinbras was great. This is because the prince seems to be doing everything in his power throughout the play to avenge his father, just as Hamlet wishes to do. For all we know maybe King Fortinbras appeared to Prince Fortinbras as a spirit as well. This would certainly drive the prince's actions.
It is apparent that the roles of parents are significant in Hamlet. From empowering fathers like King Hamlet to manipulative and sneaky ones like Polonius, every parent in this play has an important role in the unraveling of the plot. They're decisions and even orders drive their children's actions and this is why they somehow effect every character in the play.
3 comments:
I wrote about the parents for my essay as well, and agree that throughout the play they have been the driving forces for their children. I forgot to include Old Fortinbras in mine, but he too have proven to have driven his son to get revenge. Also, I really liked your comment about how Ophelia has gone crazy now that she no longer has a man in her life. Her father was always in command of her, and I dont think she knows how to live without that.
I couldn't connect parents in the play when I first thought about it, but after reading this post I agree with everything you have to say. The parents DRIVE their childrens decisions throughout the entire play. Hamlet Ophelia and Laertes are abiding by their parents guidence, ultimately causing the situations in which they are in throught the book. I like how you brought in the "less evident" child, Fortinbras. Very clever and great connections!
Nice job Rose, though your introduction and conclusion are a little weak. Do you think the children would have turned out the same way if they had parents who did not ALL hold high social standing? Do you think that added pressure on the children helps influence their decisions (and eventually their madness)?
Post a Comment