WHY HAMLET IS AN ARTISTIC FAILURE

hamlet, the tragic play written by william shakespeare, is considered one of the greatest pieces of literature in the world. however, despite its widespread acclaim, there is a long-standing debate about whether hamlet can be considered an artistic failure. in this article, we will explore the reasons why some critics argue that hamlet falls short of being a successful work of art.

the complexity of the plot

one of the main reasons why hamlet is seen as an artistic failure is the complexity of its plot. the play revolves around hamlet, the prince of denmark, who is consumed by grief and uncertainty after the death of his father. the plot is filled with intricate twists and turns, making it challenging for the audience to follow and fully engage with the storyline. this complexity often leads to confusion and leaves the audience feeling disconnected from the characters and their motives.

the lack of clear direction

another aspect that contributes to hamlet’s artistic failure is the lack of clear direction. unlike shakespeare’s other renowned plays, such as romeo and juliet or macbeth, hamlet lacks a clear focus and purpose. the play meanders through existential questions, madness, and revenge, without a clear resolution or direction. this lack of focus makes it difficult for the audience to connect with the characters on a deeper level and leaves them feeling unsatisfied.

the ambiguity of hamlet’s character

one of the most debated aspects of hamlet’s artistic failure is the ambiguity surrounding the titular character. hamlet’s character is complex and multi-dimensional, which can be intriguing in some cases. however, in hamlet’s case, this ambiguity becomes a hindrance to the overall artistic success of the play. the constant vacillation between hamlet’s indecisiveness and his sporadic bursts of action leaves the audience perplexed and unable to fully understand his motivations.

the lack of emotional depth

in addition to the ambiguity surrounding hamlet’s character, the play also lacks emotional depth. unlike shakespeare’s other tragedies, such as othello or king lear, where the audience is deeply invested in the emotional journey of the characters, hamlet fails to evoke a strong emotional response. the characters’ emotions often feel superficial and detached, making it difficult for the audience to empathize with their struggles and dilemmas.

the language barrier

furthermore, the language barrier can hinder the appreciation of hamlet as an artistic masterpiece. shakespeare’s language, while beautiful and poetic, can be challenging for modern audiences to comprehend fully. the use of archaic words and complex syntax can create a barrier between the audience and the play’s themes and messages. this linguistic barrier further alienates the audience and diminishes their ability to fully appreciate the artistic merit of hamlet.

conclusion

in conclusion, despite its place in the canon of world literature, hamlet can be considered an artistic failure due to various reasons. the complexity of the plot, the lack of clear direction, the ambiguity of hamlet’s character, the absence of emotional depth, and the language barrier all contribute to the diminished artistic success of the play. while hamlet may have its merits and attracts different interpretations, it ultimately falls short in creating a truly impactful and resonant artistic experience.

five frequently asked questions

1. why is there so much debate about hamlet’s artistic success?
2. how does hamlet’s complexity affect the audience’s engagement with the play?
3. can the lack of clear direction be seen as a deliberate artistic choice by shakespeare?
4. what are some alternative interpretations of hamlet’s character?
5. how does the language barrier impact the audience’s understanding and appreciation of hamlet?

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Опубліковано Максим на 13 12 2023. Поданий під Відповідь. Ви можете слідкувати за будь-якими відповідями через RSS 2.0. Ви можете подивитись до кінця і залишити відповідь.