Wesley Huang Period 3 The Imperfection of Morality

In Shakespeares Hamlet, the author uses the development of Prince Hamlets psychological and moral character to create a bildungsroman. Prince Hamlet comes of age in Act V, scene ii of the play as he finally has the courage to avenge his fathers death by killing King Claudius. The progress of Hamlets maturity illuminates the theme that one should keep morality objective, not subjective, in order to successfully pursue ones goal in life. Hamlet finally realizes this towards the end of the play, which allows him to murder Claudius and reconcile with Laertes and Prince Fortinbras. Hamlet embodies the perfect bildungsroman character as he develops from an over-reflective prince to a man who understands how indifferent morality lies to ones afterlife, thus giving him the mettle to slay Claudius. Hamlet stalls constantly throughout the play with his quest to kill Claudius in order to avenge his father. Hamlet uses his Christian ethics to justify his actions such as refraining from killing Claudius in his praying state. Only when he discovers Yoricks skull does he realize how pointless morality serves to ones life. Whatever one accomplishes in life, his or her life will still end in death. With this newfound knowledge, Hamlet has the boldness to accept the kings suspicious offer for a fencing match with Laertes. Hamlets maturity gives him strength to finish what he has started. When he knows he will die due to the poisoned sword, Hamlet finally succeeds in his revenge by making Claudius drink from the poisoned cup. Hamlets imminent death makes him realize how little morality affects his life. With that, he knows whatever action he attempts in his lifes short span will have no consequence in his death, hence, his murder of Claudius. Hamlets growth as a man, from contemplative to honorable, finally makes him realize his place in the world. The understanding between Hamlet and his rivals, Laertes and Fortinbras, comes from Hamlets matured nature and realization that while virtue remains subjective to each individual, in reality,

Wesley Huang Period 3 morality does not affect ones ultimate life. Hamlet, in the first four acts of the play, uses the Christian doctrine to justify his actions. He despises other characters that seem to go against this morality. As various events impact Hamlets life, he starts to understand that the correct way of life lies in each persons interpretation. Now he begins to esteem Fortinbras and Laertes because they both follow their own version of honor and justice. When Hamlet kills Claudius, the courage to do so comes from his interactions with Laertes. Laertes explains to Hamlet why he uses a poisoned rapier to fight not to listen to Claudius, but to avenge his fathers death. Hamlet comes of age as he realizes that Laertes only tries to do what he deems right. This act finally pushes Hamlet to murder Claudius to attain revenge for his father. The passing of the throne to Prince Fortinbras by Hamlet emphasizes Hamlets maturity as he recognizes true morality and honor comes from following and acting upon ones belief. Without his interactions with Laertes and Fortinbras, Hamlet could not have developed into a character that can have the mindset to accomplish his goals. Prince Hamlet epitomizes the ideal bildungsroman character as his development encompasses the whole play to come into fruition. Through his maturity the reader discovers that morality at the eyes of its beholder eventually destroys itself. Morality at an objective level remains key to ensure success with ones ambitions.