An Analysis of Shakespeare’s Hamlet Through Terry Eagleton’s Conception of Tragedy

Abstract

This paper offers a comprehensive analysis of William Shakespeare's Hamlet, employing Terry Eagleton's conception of tragedy from his book Sweet Violence. It examines how the play achieves excellence through wisdom, intellectual depth, and emotional maturity, exposing the sublimity of human effort in creating an enduring experience for the audience. The paper delves into the elements of sacrifice, the dilemma of the tragic hero, and the concept of tragedy as a genre with emotional impact, showcasing the influential nature of the play. Furthermore, it explores the intertwining of external accidents with the hero's struggles and the balance of universality and particularity in evoking sympathy and engagement within the audience. Additionally, it discusses Eagleton’s notion of tragedy as a means to offer political hope and belief in justice and redemption, even in the darkest of times. The analysis examines Hamlet's fit in both traditionalist and democratic perspectives and finally delves into the Greek concept of the pharmakos, highlighting why Hamlet's suffering leads to emotional cleansing or katharsis for the audience.