Hamlet -- the Characterization Essay -- GCSE English Literature Course

Hamlet -- the Characterization The beautifully developed characters within Shakespe ares spectacular tragedy, Hamlet, are manifestations of genius. Let us in this essay whirl the gallery of the Bards characters in this most famous play. George Lyman Kittredge, in his book, Five Plays of Shakespeare, describes the Bards excellent characterization of Claudius King Claudius is a superb figure almost as great a dramatic creation as Hamlet himself. His intellectual powers are of the highest order. He is eloquent formal when formality is appropriate (as in the speech from the thr hotshot), graciously long-familiar when familiarity is in place (as is his treatment of the family of Polonius), persuasive to an almost superhuman peak (as in his manipulation of the insurgent Laertes) always and everywhere a mannikin of royal dignity. His courage is manifested, under the most terrifying circumstances, when the mob breaks into the palace. His self-will when the dumb show enacts his s ecret crime before his eyes is postal code less than marvelous. (xviii) The genius of the Bard is revealed in his characterization. Brian Wilkie and James Hurt in literary productions of the Western World examine the universal appeal of Shakespeare resulting from his aggressively etched characters Every age from Shakespeares time to the present has put something different in him to admire. All ages, however, have recognized his supreme dexterity in inventing sharply etched characters it frequently happens that long after one has forgotten the exact story of a play one remembers its good deal with absolute vividness. It is true, paradoxically, that many of Shakespeares characters represent universal types.. . . Scores of them are fu... ...stitute of Technology. 1995. http//www.chemicool.com/Shakespeare/hamlet/full.html West, Rebecca. A Court and World Infected by the unsoundness of Corruption. Readings on Hamlet. Ed. founder Nardo. San Diego Greenhaven Press, 1999. Rpt. fr om The Court and the Castle. modern Haven, CT Yale University Press, 1957. Wilkie, Brian and James Hurt. Shakespeare. Literature of the Western World. Ed. Brian Wilkie and James Hurt. New York Macmillan Publishing Co., 1992. Wilson, John Dover. What happens in Hamlet. New York Cambridge University Press, 1959. Wright, Louis B. and Virginia A. LaMar. Hamlet A Man Who Thinks Before He Acts. Readings on Hamlet. Ed. Don Nardo. San Diego Greenhaven Press, 1999. Rpt. from The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark. Ed. Louis B. Wright and Virginia A. LaMar. N. p. Pocket Books, 1958.