Hamlet

             Hamlet's hesitation to kill Claudius in Shakespeare's "Hamlet" is debatably one of the most interesting topics of this play. Among the most renowned analysts to have theories on Hamlet's procrastination is Ernest Jones, who explains his reasoning through Sigmund Freud's Oedipus complex theory. Today, many psychologists disapprove of Freud's theories, but literary analysts still rely on his theories to explain much of Hamlet's reasoning. Although the psychological and philosophical aspects contains small gaps unanswered because of Hamlet's state of confusion and melancholy, the Tragedy and the Mind of the Infant still gives proof of Hamlet's procrastination through Freudian theory, caused by his inability to cope with repressed childhood feelings.
             One of these weaknesses of Jones's view relates to the Oedipus complex. Freud stated that it affects children up to the age of five, not adults, such as Hamlet. Freud never stated that adults share these feelings towards their mother because of repressed feelings. Since Hamlet is a fictional character, proving any point is difficult. Another weakness in Jones's view lies in Act 3, Scene 4, when Hamlet kills Polonius, thinking it was Claudius. The act of murdering Polonius hurts Jones's theory that Hamlet is procrastinating on killing Claudius because in Act 3, Scene 3, Hamlet almost kills Claudius, but stops after determining that he was praying, which would not give Hamlet the benefit of sending Claudius to purgatory because of his sins that were not repented. The last weakness to Jones's view is when Hamlet says "wretched Queen adieu". This quote does not show love to his mother, but rather hatred towards her for sleeping with Claudius. However, this quote can be viewed as a strength to Jones's view through Freudian theory.
             Freudian theory is largely based on the Oedipus
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Hamlet. (1969, December 31). In MegaEssays.com. Retrieved 11:33, March 29, 2024, from https://www.megaessays.com/viewpaper/95991.html