Mustafizur Rahman

Drama 1, Section 06
Hamlet, Acts IV-V
03.19.13
1. Is Hamlet is a tragedy? Does it fit the form of a tragedy as identified by Aristotle? If
so, how? Or, if not, why?
Answer: One of the leading Elizabethan tragedies in the English literature is Hamlet" by
William Shakespeare and one of the earliest critics of tragedy is Aristotle. One way to
measure Shakespeare's work, "Hamlet", is to review it using the methods of classical
critics to see if it meets the criteria for a tragedy.
According to Aristotle's classic definition of a tragedy, Shakespeare's Hamlet definitely
falls into the category of tragedy. Aristotle's definition states, "a tragedy is defined as an
imitation of an event that is serious, complete, and possessing magnitude...". Hamlet is
undoubtedly a serious play that possesses much magnitude. For one, the story centers
around an event of magnitude-the death of a king and the state of a nation due to that
death. The seriousness present in the play involves Hamlet's desire to enact revenge on
his father's murderer who he believes is his uncle. Unfortunately, Hamlet does not
immediately confront Claudius because he is much too cautious, and instead, Hamlet
slips into a state of madness. Hamlet's thoughtful and watchful nature is his tragic fault,
and these characteristics ultimately lead to the tragic ending of the play.
2. What is Shakespeare getting at in Hamlet? What is the play about for you?
Answer : Shakespeares Hamlet is a great and effective tragedy which follows most of the
guidelines set by Aristotle in Poetics. There are some aspects of Poetics that Shakespeare
does not include or follow, however the play still effects the audience in the desired
manner. In reality, Hamlet would not have the same impact if it followed all the
guidelines. For instance, the whole aspect of the subplot about Ophelias insanity adds so
much to the play. Shakespeare broke some of Aristotles rules and still wrote an effective
tragedy that has been appreciated by audiences for centuries.
William Shakespeare's play Hamlet is the story of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark. Hamlet is
the protagonist of the work, and the play outlines the trials and troubles that Hamlet must
endure while trying to uncover the truth surrounding his father's death. It is also a story of
revenge-the revenge that Hamlet seeks to inflict on those who are responsible for the
death of his father, and finally, Hamlet's own tragic downfall, ending with his untimely
death.