blog
media download page
Essay / Portrayal of Catharsis in William Shakespeare's Hamlet espionage and the consequences of weak actions of broken wills. Although the play departs from Aristotle's traditional definition of catharsis in the Poetics "by pity and fear effecting the appropriate purging of these emotions", it nevertheless offers a strong purging of feelings of disgust at the denouement of the piece. The elements that Frye believes prevent catharsis are actually those that generate the disgust necessary for catharsis. This emotion is suddenly purged by heroism, virtue, and the restoration of the chain of being at the end of the play. Say no to plagiarism. Get Custom Essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get Original EssayFrye assumes fierce codes of revenge, betrayal, espionage, and the consequences of weak actions due to broken wills intervene in catharsis, but on the contrary, they develop a feeling of disgust which must be purged. This differs from the Aristotelian definition of catharsis as the purging of pity and fear, but it is nonetheless a form of catharsis, which produces a similar end effect on the audience. Disgust and purgation as symbols of catharsis in “Hamlet”. play when Polonius sends Reynaldo to spy on his son, Laertes, who is studying in France. Yes, or drink, fencing, swearing, / Arguing, gossiping,' you can go so far (II.i.25-26) Polonius declares, ordering Reynaldo to exchange inaccurate statements with Laertesà, friends. This illustrates Polonius's distrust of his son and his willingness to use any means necessary to obtain information about Laertes, even if it risks his reputation. Corruption within the family directly reinforces the feeling of repugnance. Hamlet's unnecessary killing of Polonius also highlights the emotion. His near-madness and his ignorance of the circumstances lead him to the false conclusion that Claudius is behind the arras when he declares: Is it the king (III.iv.26). This event reveals a flaw in Hamlet's character, which diminishes Hamlet's heroism in the audience's mind and creates a feeling of disgust in its place. Laertes and Claudius contribute to this repulsion just as they plot an unjust duel to triumph over Hamlet, I will anoint my sword. With this contagion, that if I irritate it slightly, / It may be death (IV.vii.139-147). Once again, corruption in royal families generates a disgust that ultimately fuels catharsis. What purges the feeling of disgust is an exposition of the heroism and virtue of the characters. Laertes contributes to the catharsis by expressing doubts about his sinful and unjust fencing duel with Hamlet: [Aside] And yet it is almost against my conscience (V.ii.300). Laertes' uncertainty about his subsequent actions represents a good for his conscience. This quality highlights the virtue of Laertes, who purges the disgust accumulated earlier. The relief extends further as Laertes continues to demonstrate his righteousness: Exchange your forgiveness with me, noble Hamlet. / The death of me and my father does not come upon you (V.ii.334-335), and when it is recognized by Hamlet, Heaven frees you from it. I follow you (V.ii.337). Horatio's selflessness through Hamlet's blessing also contributes to the catharsis: now the noble heart breaks. Good night, sweet prince, / And flights of angels sing to you for your rest (V.ii.364-365). Likewise, Fortinbra's acknowledgment of Hamlet's death reveals the heroism of both their characters when he compares Hamlet to a..
Navigation
« Prev
1
2
3
4
5
Next »
Get In Touch