The Skull in Hamlet
Essay by Maxi • April 6, 2011 • Essay • 352 Words (2 Pages) • 2,619 Views
The representation of the skull in Hamlet has been interpreted to have multiple meanings. The scene was at the graveyard was originally intended for comic relief, yet, important philosophical points and questions were raised. the skull marks a turning point for Hamlet.
The skull itself is a physical reminder of the finality of death. For all of Hamlet's philosophical contemplation of mortality, here, Hamlet literally looks death directly in the face. The skull marks a turning point for Hamlet. It's here, in the graveyard, where Hamlet thinks about the commonness of death and the vanity of life. He not only remembers Yorick, a mere jester, but also considers what's become of the body that belonged to Alexander the Great. Both men, concludes Hamlet, meet the same end and eventually look and become the same
The skull brings back many memories of Hamlet's seemingly happy childhood, thus representing Hamlet's loss of happiness and innocence. The realization of what he used to be, ages Hamlet, forces him out of the childish and his abnormal behavior, to become an adult.
The representation of the skull in Hamlet has been interpreted to have multiple meanings. The scene was at the graveyard was originally intended for comic relief, yet, important philosophical points and questions were raised. the skull marks a turning point for Hamlet.
The skull itself is a physical reminder of the finality of death. For all of Hamlet's philosophical contemplation of mortality, here, Hamlet literally looks death directly in the face. The skull marks a turning point for Hamlet. It's here, in the graveyard, where Hamlet thinks about the commonness of death and the vanity of life. He not only remembers Yorick, a mere jester, but also considers what's become of the body that belonged to Alexander the Great. Both men, concludes Hamlet, meet the same end and eventually look and become the same
The skull brings back many memories of Hamlet's seemingly happy childhood, thus representing Hamlet's loss of happiness and innocence. The realization of what he used to be, ages Hamlet, forces him out of the childish and his abnormal behavior, to become an adult.
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