Hamlet; what type of conflict do you think it is?

Hi, I wanna get scholastic today

The German philosopher Hegel once wrote that "Tragedy is not the confict between good and evil. It is the conflict between good and good." So I was thinking about several Shakespearean plays and the one that caught me the most is Hamlet (Titus Andronicus sucks and Romeo and Juliet is too obvious) .... What do you think Hamlet is?

1) Good vs Good
2) Evil vs Evil
3) Good vs Evil

explain

For a more interesting reading of Hamlet, try reading it from Claudius' POV. If you're willing to explore them, that reading will throw up a whole new set of themes. Protagonist vs Antagonist is particularly fertile area to explore, as is the related Foreground vs Background. If you're feeling especially creative, you could try rewriting one of the scenes from another character's perspective.

If you're feeling especially creative, you could try rewriting one of the scenes from another character's perspective.

The was the brilliance of Rosencranse and Gildenstern are dead. You followed them through the tale of Hamlet and saw the world outside the drama.

As for the answer to the OP. Well, if revenge is considered an evil act in some cases, the I would say, Evil vs Evil.

I think Hamlet is characterized mostly by a man's internal struggles in response to his exterior situation. It's as much a mental battle as it is a physical battle.

If I had to choose any, it would be Good vs Evil. The evil character in Claudius can be clearly seen, as he is the assassin of the King (in cold blood). While Hamlet seems to be the flawed protagonist, his cause is to avenge his father's death. Vigilante justice is not something that I smile upon, but in this case it seems justifiable. By old testament standards it works out at least.

It certainly challenges our perception of 'good', and the importance of consequences when dealing with any situation. Hamlet kills Polonius (IIRC), a relatively innocent character, sends Ophelia mad (causing her death), etc. etc. The only 'good' character I can think of in Hamlet is Ophelia, actually, the others, wherever their morals lie, are shades of grey - with the exeption of Claudius.

do you think Horatio is evil or not? if he is good is he as good as Ophelia?

Hamlet procrastinates and fails, if anything the play is about taking control of the situation and acting. He contemplates every situation and when he does act spontaneously ironically he kills the wrong person.

Contrast this with his Uncle who kills his Brother for the crown and marries Hamlets mother.

I can only imagine a missing scene.....

Ghost (Hamlets father) : And yet now he perform some silly play and doth nothing whatsoever.

Originally Posted by Pivra

do you think Horatio is evil or not? if he is good is he as good as Ophelia?

Characterising in terms of good and evil marks down your reading of the play considerably. Try those other readings suggested. If you take an offbeat reading of the play, and explore that rather than use the basic tropes of good and evil, or good and bad, and you'll get a good mark, probably better than anyone who does the basics.