Tragedy is defined: Thus, Tragedy is an imitation of an action that is serious, complete, and possessing magnitude; in embellished language, each kind of which is used separately in the different parts; in the mode of action and not narrated; and effecting through pity and fear [what we call] the catharsis of such emotions. William Shakespeare’s “The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark,” is indisputably a tragedy in accordance with Aristotle’s definition.
The first part of Aristotle’s definition states that, “Tragedy is an imitation of an action that is serious, complete, and possessing magnitude.” “Hamlet” definitely contains very serious subject matter. The driving theme throughout the entire play is revenge. The show deals with all aspects of how a person can die. Some characters are, of course, murdered. Ophelia either commits suicide or just doesn’t care to save herself from drowning. Hamlet contemplates taking his own life is the infamous soliloquy in Act III, Scene I that begins, “To be, or not to be.” The issue of Hamlet’s mental status, that is, whether he is truly insane or merely pretending, is enough to classify the show as serious. Aristotle demands that all tragedies contain a plot complete with beginning, middle and end. As with many of Shakespeare’s plays, the main characters die throughout the show. Polonius is stabbed, thus leading his daughter, Ophelia, to commit suicide. Polonius’ son, Laertes, then commences a plot with Hamlet’s Uncle/King to murder Hamlet. Unfortunately, while the plot is ultimately a success, the King, Queen and Laertes are also killed. In the final act, the reader also learns that Hamlet’s good friends Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are dead. The death of Hamlet completes the story. “Hamlet” must possess magnitude in order to be a tragedy, meaning that the story has to have some kind of importance. The story of Hamlet is without a doubt a story that matters. Hamlet is a very relatable character. His story, his feelings, his thoughts could belong to any person suffering in this life. In this way, “Hamlet” conforms to the definition of a tragedy.
Tragedy is, “in embellished language, each kind of which is used separately in the different parts.” This part of the definition refers to how the tragedy is physically composed. “Hamlet” contains many different types of language. Shakespeare was a master at using different types of language in different parts of the play. “Hamlet” contains some of Shakespeare’s most beautiful dialogues and soliloquies. It is through Hamlet’s speeches that the reader picks up on the action of the play. Though many argue that because of these speeches, “Hamlet” is not a tragedy, the presence of all other aspects of the definition confirm that it is a tragedy, according to Aristotle.
Aristotle requires that a tragedy begin in the mode of action, or in medias res, and not be narrated. The central, driving theme of “Hamlet” is the protagonist, Hamlet, seeking revenge for his father’s murder. His father was murdered before the first page of the play. Only through the ghost’s monologue do Hamlet and the reader learn what transpired. While many of Shakespeare’s plays do contain a narrator, often called the Chorus, “Hamlet” does not. It is in these ways that “Hamlet” further conforms to the Aristotelian definition of tragedy.
A tragedy effects through pity and fear the catharsis of such emotions. “Hamlet” certainly causes feelings of both pity and fear in the reader. The ghost is a frightening character. Upon hearing his tale, pity is brought about. Of course there are other emotions, but Aristotle focuses solely on those two: pity and fear. Ophelia is an easy character to feel sorry for. Her story is tragic in and of itself: she is driven insane when her lover slays her beloved father. Of course, the reader feels pity for Hamlet when he learns of Ophelia’s death. In general, Hamlet is a very tortured character, right until the moment of his death. Through the death of Hamlet, the reader’s emotions are purged and the play conforms to the definition of a tragedy.
“The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark,” is a tragedy is accordance with Aristotle’s definition as laid out in “The Poetics.” The action is complete, serious, possesses magnitude, is written in embellished language, is not narrated but enters in the mode of action, and brings about the catharsis of pity and fear. Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” is, without a doubt, one of the greatest tragedies ever written.
