Analysis of 'The Psychology of Hamlet' by George Brandes

Overview of George Brandes on Hamlet
  • Author Background: George Brandes was a prominent scholar and literary critic from Denmark. His significant work on Shakespeare highlighted his comparisons between Shakespeare and other dramatists from the European context.
  • Main Thesis: Brandes argues that Hamlet is “the first typical modern character,” emphasizing Hamlet's emotional and intellectual complexity as he grapples with the conflict between the ideal and the actual worlds.
  • Misinterpretation of Hamlet: Brandes contends that viewing Hamlet primarily as a character marked by morbid reflection misunderstands his nature.
    • Hamlet's hesitation is not due to incapacity for action but rather a deeper conflict until the climactic points of the narrative.
Characteristics of Hamlet
  • Personal Complexity:
    • Ideal vs. Reality: Hamlet embodies the struggles between high ideals and harsh realities, evident from his emotional and intellectual turmoil.
    • Flawed Morality: Brandes argues that Hamlet is not a purely noble character; he expresses a complex mix of emotions, including wildness, bitterness, and even cruelty.
  • Depiction of Ages:
    • Initially conceived as a youth of nineteen, Hamlet's character evolves into a figure reflecting a more mature understanding of life’s complexities. Brandes notes that changes in Hamlet's age impact his emotional responses throughout the play.
Thematic Analysis
  • Existential Themes:
    • Hamlet reflects on the nature of life and death, grappling with profound philosophies as he contemplates the validity of action versus inaction, particularly in the wake of his father’s death and the revelation of his mother’s remarriage.
    • Pessimism vs. Action: Despite perceptions of Hamlet as a procrastinator, Brandes asserts that he is not devoid of action, demonstrating moments of decisiveness throughout the play.
  • Contradictions Within Hamlet:
    • The character's struggles represent the “cry of humanity” in search of meaning amidst despair, symbolizing a broader philosophical challenge—the gap between one’s ideals and the realities of human existence.
    • Hamlet’s discourse often seems convoluted, presenting moral quandaries and emotional complexities that contribute to the ambiguity surrounding his character.
Hamlet’s Psychological Development
  • Inner Conflict:
    • Hamlet's journey is marked by a profound sense of disillusionment. The ghost's revelation catalyzes a deeper understanding of morality and existence, leading to his mental and emotional detachment from traditional relationships, such as with Ophelia.
    • This reflects the conflict between familial duty, morality, and personal introspection, as he grapples with the implications of avenging his father's death.
  • Philosophical Implications:
    • The play poses fundamental questions about human existence, portraying Denmark as a prison and the world a place rife with moral corruption and despair.
    • Brandes positions Hamlet as emblematic of modernity, highlighting the play's exploration of philosophical underpinnings regarding purpose, emotion, and morality.
Conclusion
  • Enduring Legacy:
    • Hamlet is recognized as the first philosophical drama of the modern era, encapsulating the essence of modern thought and the complexity of the human condition.
    • Brandes’ insights depict Hamlet not only as an individual character but as a reflection of universal human struggles—a portrayal that resonates throughout generations.