Hamlet As A Tragic Hero

Hamlet is the epitome of his own statement that, "there are more things in heaven and earth than are dreamt of in...philosophy" (I, v, 187-188). In his first appearance King Claudius describes the educated prince as "sweet and commendable" and declares that he loves him "with no less nobility of love than that which dearest father bears his son" (I, ii, 90-115). His high status and close relationship to the throne inform the audience …

…own remarkable qualities; however his inability to act upon his convictions leads him to his tragic demise. The audience sees a consistent progression of Hamlet from a sane yet mournful prince to a vengeful, obsessive man. However, at the end, Hamlet's calm faith and remorse for Laertes' own situation allows him to regain the semblance of the heroic character he used to be. The audience truly feels mournful for the ruin of this elaborate character.