Free Hamlet Essays: Essay on Hamlet the Hero :: GCSE English Literature Coursework

Hamlet the Hero There are various ways to define a hero. There is an endless amount of people who are heroes. A hero can be, "one who exhibits courage and/or daring," a hero can be, "one who is supremely noble or self-sacrificing," a hero can be a champion or a winner. A hero can save the day, or even save your life. A hero can be that normal person you see just walking down the street. According to either of these definitions, Prince Hamlet can definitely be identified as a hero. For his words and actions, clearly exhibit such label, and give one the right and reason to say so. "But two months dead-- †¦my poor father’s body†¦why she married with my uncle, My father’s brother, but no more like my father†¦Ere yet the salt of most unrighteous tears†¦But break, my heart, for I must hold my tongue" Hamlet painfully moans to himself. It is clear at the beginning of the play that Hamlet was suffering—emotionally. It hurt him to see his mother marry so soon after his father’s death and Hamlet felt alone since no one else seemed to feel his pain and be mourning with him. It’s safe to conclude that Hamlet had a commendable and upright relationship with his father whom he admired. Unless one was not as courageous or as confident as Hamlet, we would’ve complained and tried to ruin the marriage. Prince Hamlet on the other hand, showed heroic skills by putting others first. He kept his pain to himself and didn’t want to cause any difficulties with the townspeople or family. He shows this self-sacrifice ability once again when King Claudius tried to convince him to stay at home, rather than going away to school. He says "You are most immediate to our throne†¦For your intent In going back to school in Wittenberg, It is most retrograde to our desire, And we beseech you, bend you to remain Here in the cheer and comfort of our eye." Queen Gertrude reinforces that request when she said, "Let not thy mother lose her prayers, Hamlet. I pray thee, stay with us. Go not to Wittenberg." Even though the young Prince Hamlet felt more at home and comfortable with his friends at school in Wittenberg, he respectfully replied, "I shall in all my best obey you, madam." "Lady, shall I lie in your lap†¦I mean, my head upon your lap†¦That’s a fair thought to lie between a maids’ legs" Hamlet outrageously says to Ophelia, as he was anxiously awaiting for the play to finally begin.