Hamlet fatal flaw essay

"O that this too too solid flesh would melt, / Thaw and resolve itself into a dew"

This metaphor shows Hamlet's desire to escape reality rather than confront it. Instead of taking action, he fantasises about disappearing, revealing a passive mindset. This early avoidance foreshadows his fatal flaw of procrastination, as he retreats into thought instead of decisive action.

"A beast that wants discourse of reason would have mourned longer"

Hamlet criticises Gertrude's lack of mourning, but his fixation on her behaviour distracts him from his own responsibilities. His tendency to dwell on emotional grievances rather than act contributes to his procrastination and delays his revenge.

"Revenge his foul and most unnatural murder"

The Ghost's command gives Hamlet a clear duty to act. However, despite the direct instruction, Hamlet hesitates, showing how his procrastination stems from overthinking and moral conflict rather than lack of motivation.

"I with wings as swift / As meditation or the thoughts of love / May sweep to my revenge"

The simile suggests speed and immediacy, yet it is ironic because Hamlet's actions contradict his words. His revenge remains only a thought, highlighting the gap between intention and action that defines his procrastination.

"The play's the thing / Wherein I'll catch the conscience of the King"

Rather than acting, Hamlet devises another test to confirm Claudius's guilt. This intellectual delay shows his need for certainty and reinforces procrastination, as he prioritises planning over action even when evidence already exists.

"Now I could drink hot blood and do such bitter business as the day would quake to look on"

The violent imagery suggests intense readiness for revenge. However, this passion is not followed by action, emphasising Hamlet's flaw — he repeatedly expresses resolve but procrastinates when decisive moments arise.

"Why, this is hire and salary, not revenge"

Hamlet rationalises his delay by convincing himself that killing Claudius while praying would be unjust. This moment most clearly exposes his procrastination, as he uses moral reasoning to avoid acting despite the perfect opportunity.

"Up sword, and know thou a more horrid hent"

By physically putting his sword away, Hamlet symbolically chooses delay. The imperative tone masks his hesitation, reinforcing how his procrastination directly prevents him from fulfilling his revenge when it matters most.

"How all occasions do inform against me / And spur my dull revenge"

Hamlet openly acknowledges his procrastination, describing his revenge as 'dull'. The word choice shows self-awareness of his flaw — he recognises that his tendency to delay has weakened his resolve and allowed events to spiral.

"O from this time forth, / My thoughts be bloody, or be nothing worth"

This declaration marks Hamlet's rejection of procrastination. The violent imagery shows his determination to replace thought with action, highlighting how his earlier delays have taught him the cost of hesitation.

"Here thou, incestuous, murderous, damned Dane, drink off this potion"

Hamlet finally acts decisively, overcoming his procrastination. However, the delayed revenge comes too late, reinforcing Shakespeare's message that prolonged hesitation leads to tragic consequences.

"Now cracks a noble heart. Good night, sweet Prince"

Horatio's lament confirms Hamlet's nobility despite his flaw. The tragedy lies in the fact that Hamlet's procrastination, not a lack of virtue, led to his downfall, securing audience sympathy.