Prima facie, Shakespeare's Hamlet is a tragedy with the theme of
             revenge at the heart of its drama. Yet, among the myriad number of revenge
             tales, Hamlet stands out as one that strikes a highly resonant chord with
             its audiences. While, no doubt, there are many reasons for Hamlet's
             universal appeal, one definite reason is that most audiences identify with
             Hamlet's sense of isolation. Indeed, it is Hamlet's isolation that makes
             him into such a tragic figure, since he is seen as standing apart and alone
             in a corrupt world that is full of political ambition, sexual depravity,
             and moral conflict. A universal state of affairs that is all too
             recognizable and experienced by every individual at some point in time in
             life. Thus, it is the isolation of Hamlet's inner conflicts and struggles
             that enable audiences everywhere to easily identify with him.
             Hamlet's isolation and loneliness is evident in the play's first act
             itself, which portrays him as isolated in his mourning for his father; by a
             sense of being betrayed by his mother and uncle; by his knowledge of his
             father's murder; and finally in his desire for revenge. Indeed,
             Shakespeare's very introduction of Hamlet's appearance weaves an image of a
             lonely, isolated figure. In Act 1.2 Claudius, the newly crowned King of
             Denmark is seen entering with Queen Gertrude, Prince Hamlet, the Council,
             and the Lords. Significantly, care is taken to mention that Hamlet is
             dressed in black, thus singling him out as the lone mourner in the crowd.
             The fact that Hamlet alone is still grieving for his father is further
             established when his mother urges him to "Good Hamlet, cast thy nightly
             colour off." (Hamlet, 1.2.68) Queen Gertrude, here, refers to not just
             Hamlet's night-like mourning garments, but his gloomy demeanor as well. She
             goes on to counsel Hamlet that death is a part of life. Hamlet acknowledges
             the truth of his mother's wis...