The Open Question

            In reading many novels I have found that it is rare that I make a true connection with any of the characters. They tend to appear static and just names on pages in my eyes. Hamlet however seemed to be a true person. He had flaws, and made mistakes and that’s what made him relatable. I felt compassion towards Hamlet because I could see myself in him.

            In no way was Hamlet flawless. He made mistakes and bad choices like most teenagers. One of the main things that make Hamlet so appealing to a reader is the fact that he is constantly toying over thoughts in his own head. He is essentially at odds with his own thoughts and feelings. I feel like I found I deep compassion with Hamlet, because of this fact alone. Being a teenager, I am constantly fighting with my own thoughts and having to make tough decisions. The entire plot of Hamlet was fueled by the thoughts that entered his head. He had to deal with his feelings for Ophelia, although he didn’t understand them half the time. He also had to deal with secrets of his father’s death that he probably would’ve rather not known about.  Hamlet is like most teenagers were they don’t even understand why they feel the way they feel or act the way they do.

            Shakespeare’s use of self-overhearing really is key to Hamlet’s success as a character. I don’t know anyone who hasn’t mulled over his or her thoughts aloud in order to come up with a concise decision in life. Hamlet as a character would be quite dull if we didn’t get to see his thought process. Seeing his thought process and having him speak of it aloud makes him admirable because the readers realize that they aren’t alone with some of the thoughts that constantly consume them.

            Many would view Hamlet’s actions as condemnable, and sure he didn’t always choose the right path, but I don’t think he should be condemned for any of his actions. Just as any normal person would, Hamlet made mistakes. Shakespeare’s development of Hamlet only caused me to admire him more. By delving into the mind of Hamlet he became a dynamic character; someone you could picture living in real life; someone who wasn’t perfect, but was entirely real.

            Overall Hamlet was one of many characters I have read about throughout my life. However I developed a strong admiration for Hamlet because he was just a normal teenager living with the torment of having to deal with teenager’s thoughts. He had to make decisions about love and family just like any teenager would. Even though Hamlet was written years ago, being a teenager hasn’t changed much. We all still have to deal with the craziness inside our own heads just as Hamlet did.