Hamlet as Antihero in Shakespeares Hamlet :: GCSE Coursework Shakespeare Hamlet

Hamlet as Antihero By literary definition, an antihero is the hero of the play or novel, but has negative attributes that separate him or her from the classic hero such as Superman. Such negative aspects whitethorn include a crimson nature, use of coarse diction, or self-serving interests which may inadvertently puff the protagonist as a hero since the result of serving those interests may be the betterment of society or an environment. In William Shakespe bes Hamlet, the protagonist, Hamlet, is depicted as an antihero. One factor contributing to Hamlets status as antihero is that he draws sympathy, as well as admiration, from the reader since Hamlet feels the painfulness of losing his father along with the burden and obstacles in avenging his murder. Act four places a special emphasis on Hamlets intelligence. In scene cardinal, Hamlet is genuinely insolent and rude towards Rosencrantz and Guildenstern with such phrases as, That I can keep your instruction and non, mine own. Beside, to be demanded of a sponge, what replication should be made by the son of a king (IV, ii, 12-14)? The reference to the sponge reflects the fact that Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are easily ordered by the king and do non possess minds of their own. Hamlet does not like Rosencrantz and Guildenstern since they are servants of the Claudius, Hamlets mortal enemy. The reader does not like Rosencrantz and Guildenstern either which causes the reader to side with Hamlet. Another incident of Hamlets gritty intelligence is shown when he Hamlet tells Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, I am glad of it a knavish sleeps in a foolish ear (IV, i, 24-25). This statement leaves Rosencrantz and Guildenstern more than or less confused. Hamlet is clearly more clever than the two of them combined and is able to toy with them. Hamlet has an excellent command of the language and because of it, can use words to the point that those around him will not understand and may label him as crazy. H amlet shows another font of his cleverness, this time towards Claudius, when he says, I see a cherub that sees them. But, come for England Farewell, in effect(p) mother (IV, iii, 49-50). The cherub, or the angel, gives Hamlet a sense of superiority over Claudius. Having an angel at ones side would be a definite polarity of government agency, which is exactly what Hamlet tries to maintain over Claudius in their constant power struggle.