Hamlet Fits Within Anoulih\'s Discussion of Tragedy.

Hamlet fits within Anoulih's discussion of tragedy. In this play most of the characters die. It is expect that death will befall them. Since the play's beginning, the foundation for tragedy is set. We learn that Hamlet is in mourning. The King is trying to convince him to show sorrow. It is unmanly. Hence, a foundation for irony is set up.

Tis sweet and commendable in your nature, Hamlet,

To give these mourning duties to your father:

But, you must know, your father lost a father;

That father lost, lost his, and the survivor bound

In filial obligation for some term

To do obsequious sorrow: but to persever

In obstinate condolement is a course

Of impious stubbornness; 'tis unmanly grief; (Shakespear, 86)

The reader knows that Claudius will contribute something to either his own demise or the death of the other characters. In this sense, the reader is led along through the story.

Hamlet also pronounces his distaste for his mother's marriage to his uncle in this scene. It is likely that she too will either be killed or have some role to play in the main character's insidious actions.

My father's brother, but no more like my father

Than I to Hercules: within a month:

Ere yet the salt of most unrighteous tears

Had left the flushing in her galled eyes,

She married. O, most wicked speed, to post

With such dexterity to incestuous sheets!

It is not nor it cannot come to good:

But break, my heart; for I must hold my tongue (Shakespeare, 12)

Horatio then tells Hamlet that he saw his father's ghost -- the ghost of the man whom Hamlet laments and whom he still wishes were married to his mother. It is clear that Hamlet has some doubt as to whether or not his mother had something to do with his father's death. He finds it suspicious that his mother and uncle were married so quickly. At this point no thought is necessary. The tragedy is restful.

Also, the ghost obviously has important information to reveal to Hamlet. His friends urge him not to go and listen to the ghost. Perhaps they inwardly feel that something is amiss. The news told by the ghost will negatively influence Hamlet. In the true spirit of a tragedy, Hamlet doesn't listen to his friends. Readers know at this point that the stage is set for a most horrible tragedy.

My fate cries out,

And makes each petty artery in this body

As hardy as the Nemean lion's nerve.

Still am I call'd. Unhand me, gentlemen.

By heaven, I'll make a ghost of him that lets me!

I say, away! Go on; I'll follow thee (Shakespeare, 20)

Next, the dreadful information is revealed and Hamlet is transformed. Hamlet must kill his own uncle, however we know that something more will occur in this tale. Because the play is a tragedy, one knows that Hamlet will not simply avenge his father's death. Hamlet is sure to meet his end as well as some of the other characters in the play. However, it is arguable whether or not everyone's fate is known. The reader does know that death will befall on the characters. The reader does not know that something evil will become of the characters, especially those who are innocent in the matter. However the reader must sit and puzzle over how the acts will occur. They must piece the entire puzzle together. There is work associated with reading a tragedy because a reader must open his or her mind in order to make the character's actions plausible. The reader must feel as though the events could happen. What's more, the reader must be able to somehow connect with the characters and their reactions.

In Hamlet, or other tragedies, there is no hope that the characters will survive their hideous death. The reader must follow within the loops and curves that the play offers in order to connect action with reaction and vice versa.

A tragedy always reveals the main character's weakness. In this case, Hamlet's weakness was his vulnerability and his indecision. He wouldn't listen to his associates when he had the chance. He also didn't act promptly when given a chance to avenge his father's death. Had he killed his uncle in the offset of the play, it is arguable that some of the deaths towards the end of the play may not have occurred. Hamlet needed proof that the ghosts were telling the truth. Since he didn't believe them and had gave his uncle the benefit of doubt, the tragedy unfolded.

When Hamlet transforms into a raging madman because of his father's death, the reader knows for certain that people will die at Hamlet's hand. It is uncertain whether the uncle will be killed because such irony is a calling card in tragedies. The reader may surmise that everyone will die except the uncle and that Hamlet may live to grieve over his love, Ophelia.

Another point of contention is set up early in the play. There is the issue of Hamlet's mother. The ghost expressly said the his mother shouldn't be harmed. However, Hamlet doesn't listen. He feels it necessary to question his mother and accuse her. Had he not been in her chambers accusing her of contributing to her husband's death, Hamlet would not have killed.

Ophelia is also warned in this play, another mark of someone who is either going to die or who will play a role in someone else's death -- as in the case of Hamlet himself. She is warned to stay away from Hamlet. Of course, as the reader knows, she won't listen.