Is there romance in the cruel prince? This question often arises when discussing the character of Prince Hamlet in Shakespeare’s famous play. Despite his cruel and often ruthless demeanor, there is a undeniable romantic element that intertwines with his character, adding depth and complexity to his portrayal.
The romantic aspect of Prince Hamlet is evident in his deep emotional connection to Ophelia, the daughter of Polonius, the chief counselor to the king. Their relationship is fraught with tension and misunderstanding, yet it is clear that Hamlet holds a profound affection for Ophelia. This love is further complicated by the political intrigue surrounding the throne, as Hamlet is torn between his loyalty to his father and his desire to avenge his death.
In Act I, Scene IV, Hamlet expresses his love for Ophelia in a passionate soliloquy, highlighting the romanticism in his character:
“To be, or not to be: that is the question:
Whether ’tis nobler in the mind to suffer
The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,
Or to take arms against a sea of troubles
And by opposing end them. To die: to sleep;
No more; and by a sleep to say we end
The heart-ache and the thousand natural shocks
That flesh is heir to, ’tis a consummation
Devoutly to be wish’d. To die, to sleep;
To sleep: perchance to dream: ay, there’s the rub;
For in that sleep of death what dreams may come
When we have shuffled off this mortal coil,
Must give us pause: there’s the respect
That makes calamity of so long life;
For who would bear the whips and scorns of time,
The oppressor’s wrong, the proud man’s contumely,
The pangs of despised love, the law’s delay,
The insolence of office and the spurns
That patient merit of the unworthy takes,
When he himself might his quietus make
With a bare bodkin? Who would fardels bear,
To grunt and sweat under a weary life,
But that the dread of something after death,
The undiscover’d country from whose bourn
No traveler returns, puzzles the will
And makes us rather bear those ills we have
Than fly to others that we know not of?
Thus conscience does make cowards of us all;
And thus the native hue of resolution
Is sicklied o’er with the pale cast of thought,
And enterprises of great pitch and moment
With this regard their currents turn awry,
And lose the name of action.”
In this soliloquy, Hamlet grapples with the idea of life, death, and love, ultimately revealing his romantic nature. He contemplates the pain of love and the fear of the unknown, which highlights the romanticism in his character.
Moreover, the romanticism in Prince Hamlet is also evident in his pursuit of knowledge and understanding. Throughout the play, Hamlet is driven by a desire to uncover the truth behind his father’s death and the corruption within the Danish court. This quest for truth and understanding is a romantic endeavor, as it involves a deep emotional investment and a willingness to face the consequences of his actions.
In conclusion, while Prince Hamlet may be known for his cruel and ruthless nature, there is indeed a romantic element that intertwines with his character. His deep emotional connection to Ophelia, his quest for knowledge and understanding, and his internal struggle with the complexities of life and love all contribute to the romanticism in the cruel prince.
