Hamlet Is Upset For Two Reasons What Are They

Hamlet's Double Burden: Exploring the Two Core Reasons for His Upset

Shakespeare's Hamlet is a masterpiece of psychological complexity, leaving audiences to grapple with the Prince of Denmark's turbulent emotions and actions for centuries. While Hamlet's turmoil is multifaceted, stemming from a confluence of factors, two core reasons underpin his pervasive upset: the shocking revelation of his father's murder and the subsequent, crippling moral dilemma it presents, and the profound betrayal he experiences from his mother, Gertrude, intensifying his sense of loss and world-weariness. These intertwined sources of grief fuel his procrastination, his descent into melancholia, and his ultimately tragic fate.

I. The Ghost's Revelation and the Weight of Revenge

The play's central catalyst is undoubtedly the apparition of Hamlet's father's ghost, revealing the horrific truth of his murder at the hands of Claudius, Hamlet's uncle and now stepfather. This revelation throws Hamlet's world into disarray, shattering his sense of security and stability. The sheer brutality of his father's death, the treachery involved, and the violation of familial bonds deeply wound Hamlet's psyche. The ghost's demand for revenge introduces the second pivotal element of Hamlet's upset: a crippling moral dilemma.

The Moral Labyrinth of Revenge

The ghost's command to avenge his murder places Hamlet in an agonizing ethical predicament. He's not simply grappling with the physical act of killing Claudius; he's wrestling with the profound moral implications of such an action. The weight of this decision, coupled with his intellectual nature and inherent inclination towards contemplation, paralyzes him. He's not a man of impulsive action; he's a thinker, a scholar, and a man burdened by the consciousness of right and wrong.

Doubt and Delusion: Hamlet meticulously considers the consequences of his actions, constantly questioning the veracity of the ghost's claims and the ethical justification for revenge. He fears making a fatal error, committing a sin that would condemn his own soul. His famous "To be or not to be" soliloquy epitomizes this struggle, articulating the profound uncertainty and despair he feels in the face of such a momentous choice. His internal conflict underscores the immense pressure he endures, contributing significantly to his overall upset.

The Corruption of Elsinore: The revelation of the murder isn't just about the act itself. It exposes a deeper rot within the kingdom of Elsinore. The seemingly harmonious court is revealed to be a breeding ground for deceit, treachery, and moral decay. This systemic corruption further intensifies Hamlet's despair, deepening his sense of alienation and fueling his disillusionment with the world around him. He's not simply avenging his father's death; he's fighting against a pervasive moral corruption that has poisoned the very fabric of his society.

The Delay as a Consequence of Upset: Hamlet's famous procrastination isn't simply a flaw in his character; it's a direct consequence of the overwhelming weight of his moral dilemma. He needs time to process the information, to weigh the implications, and to contemplate the devastating consequences of acting rashly. This delay, while frustrating to some, is a crucial element in showcasing the depths of his inner turmoil. It highlights the profound impact the revelation has had on his psyche and his struggle to reconcile his duty with his conscience.

II. Maternal Betrayal and the Shattering of Innocence

The second major source of Hamlet's upset is the profound betrayal he experiences at the hands of his mother, Gertrude. Her hasty marriage to Claudius, the man who murdered her husband, represents a violation of filial piety and a shattering of Hamlet's idealized view of his family and the world.

The Loss of Trust and Idealization

Gertrude's actions deeply wound Hamlet, far beyond mere disappointment. His mother's swift remarriage to his father's murderer is perceived as a profound moral failing, a betrayal of his father's memory, and a shocking display of lust and ambition. This betrayal shakes his faith in maternal love, family loyalty, and the stability of his moral compass. The idealized image of his mother is shattered, replaced by a sense of disgust and profound disappointment. This sense of loss and disillusionment adds another layer of complexity to his already overwhelming emotional burden.

The "Frailty, thy name is woman" Discourse: Hamlet's famous misogynistic pronouncements, like "Frailty, thy name is woman," aren't simply reflective of archaic attitudes. They are born from the intense pain and disillusionment stemming from his mother's behavior. This pain underscores the depth of his upset and provides insight into his struggles with trust and relationships. The betrayal he experiences isn't just a personal offense; it's a symbolic attack on his very sense of self and the world he knew.

The Impact on His Worldview: Gertrude’s betrayal isn't merely a personal affront; it's a significant event that further exacerbates Hamlet's sense of disillusionment with the world. It reinforces his belief in the pervasive corruption that seems to permeate Elsinore and beyond. The apparent hypocrisy and moral failing of his own mother lead him to question the nature of good and evil, further fueling his melancholic tendencies. The loss of faith in his mother, a figure traditionally representing love and security, casts a profound shadow on his ability to trust anyone.

The Unresolved Grief: Hamlet's grief for his father is compounded by his grief over the loss of his idealized mother. The betrayal shatters not only his image of his mother but also his perception of family, love, and the very foundation of his life. His reaction to his mother is a testament to the profound impact of this betrayal, and his inability to reconcile her actions fuels his anger and distress.

The Oedipal Complex (A Psychoanalytic Perspective): Some psychoanalytic interpretations suggest that Hamlet's reaction to his mother's betrayal is amplified by an unresolved Oedipal complex. The intense emotional bond with his mother, coupled with his father's murder and her subsequent marriage to the murderer, creates a complex psychological dynamic that further fuels his emotional instability. This interpretation isn't universally accepted, but it highlights the psychological depth of Hamlet's emotional turmoil.

The Intertwining of Grief and Action

The two core reasons for Hamlet's upset—the ghost's revelation and his mother's betrayal—are not mutually exclusive. They are deeply intertwined, reinforcing and amplifying each other. The ghost's revelation throws Hamlet into a moral crisis, while his mother's betrayal further deepens his feelings of betrayal, disillusionment, and despair. This combined effect explains his protracted delay in taking action, his descent into melancholy, and his ultimately tragic end.

The Catalyst for Action: Ultimately, while the ghost's demand for revenge provides the primary impetus for action, it's the combined weight of his moral dilemma and the betrayal by his mother that shapes the course of the play, contributing to the complexity of his character and fueling his eventual downfall. Hamlet’s upset is not simply a temporary state; it's a profound and multifaceted emotional crisis that profoundly shapes his actions and defines his tragedy. It's a crisis that allows Shakespeare to explore the complexities of human nature, morality, and the enduring power of grief and betrayal. The play remains timeless because it taps into these universal human experiences, allowing audiences to connect with Hamlet's suffering and contemplate the complexities of his emotional journey.