What qualities do we find in Hamlet that makes him a typical Shakespearean tragic hero? [British Drama]
Hamlet is considered a typical Shakespearean tragic hero due to the following qualities:
Noble birth: Hamlet is a prince and a member of the royal family, which gives him a high social status and makes him an appropriate candidate for the tragic hero.
Flaws: Hamlet is known for his indecision, procrastination, and tendency to overthink things. These flaws ultimately lead to his downfall.
Hamartia: Hamlet's tragic flaw or hamartia is his tendency to delay taking action, which ultimately leads to his downfall.
Reversal of Fortune: Hamlet starts the play as a prince with a promising future, but due to his flaws and the events that unfold, he experiences a reversal of fortune and is ultimately doomed to a tragic end.
Inner Conflict: Hamlet is torn between his loyalty to his father and his desire for revenge, which causes him immense inner conflict and adds to the dramatic tension of the play.
Awareness of Tragedy: Hamlet is aware of the tragedy that is unfolding and understands the consequences of his actions. This self-awareness makes his downfall all the more poignant.
In conclusion, Hamlet embodies many of the key characteristics that define a Shakespearean tragic hero, including noble birth, flaws, hamartia, reversal of fortune, inner conflict, and awareness of tragedy. These qualities make Hamlet one of the most iconic and memorable tragic heroes in the English literary canon.