Hamlet Case

The character in T.S. Eliot's poem "A Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" and Prince Hamlet from William Shakespeare's "Hamlet" share a common trait; the characters are indecisive and have issues with women. It is also amazing to see how closely related the theme of each piece is considering the three-hundred year gap between the composition of each. Shakespeare and Eliot's development of these characters gives the reader an opportunity to pass judgment and come to a decision explaining why these two men are in such disarray. This essay will explore how each character handles his indecisiveness, his relationship with women, and a common thematic connection.

Many people have seen Hamlet as a play about indecisiveness, and thus about Hamlet's failure to act appropriately. It might be more interesting to consider that the play shows us how many uncertainties our lives are built upon, how many unknown quantities are taken for granted when people act or when they evaluate one another's actions. Shakespeare certainly created a protagonist whose ability to act is impaired by many internal and external factors. Hamlet, throughout the play, is an extremely indecisive character who cannot come to terms with what he wants to do.

However, it is difficult to say that he was actually an indecisive man, for little of the blame for his inaction lies at his feet. He is a victim of his circumstances, more than anything, and it is apt to say that he is unable to take action, because he is definitely a long way from being unwilling.