Here's something I found interesting: In the Introduction before Hamlet, it says that Polonius's advice to Laertes, "This above all: to thine own self be true" is usually taken out of context and is in reality a "worldly gospel of self-interests and concern for appearances." As I thought about this, I assumed that Shakespeare would reveal the flaw behind this way of thinking and prove that characters who resort to selfishness always lose. And while this happens within Hamlet (Claudius and Polonius, for example, are consumed by self interest and ultimately die), the characters who are attempting to be selfless (Hamlet trying to avenge his father's death and Ophelia obeying the advice of her father and brother) also die and sink into a tragic ending.
So, what's the point of a tragedy? What is it supposed to teach us? It seems to me that fate is fixed within these plays and no matter the attempts of the characters, their chain of decisions will inevitably end in ruin. Does anyone have a bit more optimistic outlook?
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
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clairehm07 37p · 742 weeks ago
Brandon Powell · 742 weeks ago
deleted5607344 52p · 742 weeks ago
Lindsay Brock · 742 weeks ago
That said, I do feel that there are valuable lessons that often can be learned from stories with unhappily ever afters. Some tales are told to help us avoid such a fate, and to show us how to avoid such an unfortunate ending.
Also, there are valuable lines and lessons along the way. Including Polonius’ line, “to thine own self be true.” (This is where I don’t necessarily agree with the belief that it is a "worldly gospel of self-interests and concern for appearances.") It can be read as that, but I also believe it can be simply be wise words from a bad source. Even Satan tells the truth sometimes. Being true to yourself is, in general, a good thing. At least that is how I see it.
mtee27 48p · 742 weeks ago
I think it's important to look at the standards of the day, too. Elizabethan folk were kind of bloodthirsty, or so I've been told. I mean they would go to public executions for entertainment. So the tragic ending probably didn't leave them with the same emotions as us. Food for thought.