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 violent nature, use of coarse language, or self-serving interests which may inadvertently depict the protagonist as a hero since the result of serving those interests may be the betterment of society or an environment. In William Shakespeares Hamlet, the protagonist, Hamlet, is interpret 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 torture 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 two, Hamlet is very flip and rude towards Rosencrantz and Guildenstern with such phrases as, That I can keep your counsel and not, mine own. Beside, to be deman ded 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 not have minds of their own. Hamlet does not bid 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 high 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 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 entrust not understand and may label him as crazy. Hamlet shows another example of hi s cleverness, this time towards Claudius, when he says, I see a cherub that sees them. But, come for England Farewell, sound 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 sign of power, which is on the dot what Hamlet tries to maintain over Claudius in their constant power struggle.