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IntroductionIt is often said that Hamlet is the most remarkable work by Shakespeare in his dramas. The story tells of the previous king of Denmark –old Hamlet-who has been assassinated by his brother Claudius, who has inherited the throne and married his brother‘s widow Gertrude. There is also trouble from abroad—on the ramparts of the castle at Elsinore, sentinels stand guard against a foreign threat of invasion by the prince of Norway. The ghost of the murdered king appears there ,asking to be avenged .Hamlet promises to obey ,and while seeking evidence that this was really his father‘s ghost and that he spoke the truth, he puts on an appearance of insanity to avoid suspicion and to plan his revenge. His madness is interpreted as caused by his love for Ophelia, daughter of the Lord Chamberlain Polonius. Hamlet ―loved‖Ophelia ―once‖but now treats her with cruel sarcasm. As one of Shakespeare‘s tragedies, Hamlet is full of tragic aspects: it describes a disordered world, and also a world with strong self-consciousness which reflected the general uncertainness and complications in the period of the Renaissance. In such a special time, there are all the kinds of formation；Claudius‘ schemes to seize the state power; the ethics between the ghost and his son; t he sincere feelings between Hamlet and Ophelia; forsaking friendship‘s with old classmates; simultaneous acts of revenge ; the failure of humanism and so on. With all the formation organized, it forms Hamlet‘s unique artistic charm and literal achievement, which reveals the tragic aspects of human beings incisively and vividly.1. General Introduction of the StoryIt is a story of a prince‘s revenge for his father‘s death in Denmark. The King of Denmark died, young prince Hamlet who was starting further education abroad returned to his country. To his disbelief, his mother married his uncle Claudius just after the old King‘s death.A ghost who looked like the old King emerged one night, and told Hamlet that it was Claudius who killed him, so Hamlet vowed to take revenge. He began to pretend to be mad, and left his lover Ophelia. To spy upon the reflection of Claudius, Hamlet arranged a play which was written by him. Meanwhile Ophelia was drawn because of her father‘s death and her lover Hamlet‘s drif ting apart from her. Her brother Laertes was very angry; he asked to fight with Hamlet. Then Claudius arranged a sword match for them, in which Hamlet was killed by a poisoned sword, Laertes was mortally wounded. The Queen (Hamlet‘s mother) died from the poisonous wine which was prepared for Hamlet by Claudius. Before death, Laertes told the truth. Finally Hamlet killed Claudius, pay for with the price of his own life..2. Three Simultaneous Plots of RevengeIn Hamlet, there are three simultaneous plots of revenge, which give more details to help us learn the tragedy aspects in it. Based on the concept of the time, all the three characters should seek revenge for their relatives. Of the three characters, there are two groups of comparison: Laertes and Hamlet are both comparatively young men in a court dominated by the middle aged; both are described as being popular with the people in Denmark; their common love for Ophelia units them thematically in the fourth act; and the ensuing swordfight which results in both their deaths makes clear the extent to which they are each other‘s opposites; both give themselves the task of avenging the death of a relative; both are spied on by their parents. Young Fortinblas, shaves a few similarities with Hamlet: he too is the nephew of a King; he too is any enemy of Claudius; he too is seeking some sort of vengeance following the death of his father.2.1 Laertes’s Simple Idea to RevengeLaertes‘ plan and execution of revenge can be described as ―simple‖. He is noble and dignified in his appearance, while in fact there is nothing in his mind. He is impulsive and narrow minded. Though he realizes his error and reveals the evil plot of the King, he loses hislife. After he learns the news that his father Polonius was killed, he hurriedly comes to back to Denmark and without asking anyone about the reason, and arouses the masses to action. Thinking that the King is the cause of his father‘s death, Laretes leads his masses to rush into court and fights with Claudius. We see Laertes do this, but in fact, he does not love his father at all. He laughs at his father‘s weakness, and hates that his father asks someone to keep watch on him. The reason behind his father‘s death, does not interest him. If Laertes had been willing to learn the reason, he would know that the death of Polonius was caused by himself, for he was so keen on interfering in the conflict between Hamlet and the King. Laertes‘revenge is for is his ambitions. When he leads his masses to kill the King, he advocates them to support him as the new King. It is quite clear to say that Laertes‘s revenge is divorced from the essence,because he has ulterior motives.2.2 Fortinblas’s Abandonment to RevengeFortinblas gives up on his revenge. In this drama we do not see the Norway prince many times. Just because of a few words from his uncle, he abandons his revenge for his father‘s death. When the Dane is frightened to wait for Fortinblas‘s attack for his father‘s death and the lost land, Fortinblas attacks Poland. Fortinblas realizes that he has no ability to fight with Denmark, so he gives up. But what would it happened if he was willing to try his best? He absolutely abandons.Leartes and Fortinblas have their own attitude on revenge. One is to obey the requirement of revenge without any conditions, and the other one is to give up absolutely. Either of them takes hasty action, but also lacks consideration.2.3 Hamlet’s Hesitation t o RevengeSince t he ghost of Hamlet‘s father tells Hamlet the truth of his death, the task to avenge is deeply engraved on Hamlet‘s mind, he vows for revenge. In his mind, his father symbolizes the top of human virtue. What a base action to keep his father in death! Compared with Leartes and Fortinblas, his motive for revenge is stimulated by his love to his father. Why does it take such a long time for him to complete his revenge? There are three main stages:First of all, he puts off all his action until he has positive pr oof of Claudius‘s guilty, during his process, Hamlet arranges a play to spy upon Claudius‘s response to prove the truthof the ghost‘s words. Secondly, he passes up the opportunity to stab Claudius in the back preferring to wait for chance to kill him in a way more fitting. Thirdly, he gets side-tracked. Forced into confrontation with his mother, he kills the eavesdropping on Polonius, thinking that it is Claudius he is stabbing. The fact that Hamlet misfires Polonius has two main effects: it makes Hamlet‘s own homicidal campaign lose energy---as if some sort of blood lust had been sated. It also forces Hamlet finally out into the open. Rather than suspects, Hamlet is a threat to Claudius. Behind the excuse of Polonius‘s death, Claudius has the opportunity to move against Hamlet, by sending him off to England to be put in death.3. The Tragedy of Characters3.1 The Tragedy of Hamlet3.1.1 Three Stages of Hamlet’s Tra gedyHamlet‘ character is in this drama, not static but fluid as the struggles go on. According to the development of the character, Shakespeare shows us the tragedy of Hamlet, which is described in three logical stages.The first stage is about his happy times, during which he studies in Wittenberg. In that period, he has a wonderful dream on humanism. To him the world is so bright and charming. In his mind, his father represents the perfect man. He also believes that harmonious relationships between humans would come true sooner or later. The second stage Hamlet goes through is about his dejection and hesitation. Hamlet is so puzzled by the conflict between humanistic ideas and harsh reality. The third stage is about his decision to take action, which is after the play arranged by Hamlet himself. He can not bear the crime of reality any more. In his own words, he would fill his mind with bloody thoughts. Although Hamlet gets revenge for his father‘s death in the end, he does not achieve the purpose to remove the evil force thor oughly.3.1.2 Hamlet’s DeathHamlet‘s death is also his tragedy. It is destined for Hamlet to end with his death, which is caused by both internal and external cause; it is not necessary to emphasize either of them. As one of his challengeable enemies, Claudius is represents the evil force; his crime is infected with all of s ociety‘s darkness. Hamlet is eager to wipe out such evil and to avenge his father‘s death. But it can not be sol ved only by having Claudius die, which is already difficultto achieve. To remove the evil which commonly exists in society and reverse the situation is more difficult. What causes Hamlet hesitation ―is not what he should do, but how to do it.‖ Judging from his character, Hamlet has the most weaknesses that dominate his action. Because of his prince social position, there is no communication with the people. Although he has sympathy towards them, after he learns the people are angry with evil, and that they also place hope on him, he is unwilling to corporate with the people. What he believes in is his own ability; what‘s more, in his mind he is th e only person who can complete such a hard task, which is the root of Hamlet‘s social tragedy. So Hamlet‘s tragedy is of an advanced humanist‘s failure to struggle with powerful evil forces in him, and of the time, which has strong classical meanings.3.2 The Tragedy of ClaudiusClaudius, who is the head of the reactionary force, is also a schemer, the model character of a double-dealer. He represents the evil force of feudalism. He kills his older brother, becomes the new King of Denmark, and marries his sister-in-law. What a dissolute guy! He indulges in creature comforts. Although he is so pleased with himself, when he meets Hamlet, who is in mourning apparel, he is frightened, Though it‘s during his wedding banquet, he can not conceal the fear which is from his inner heart.To give this mourning duties to your fatherBut you must know your father lost a father,That father lost, lost his-and the survivor boundIn filial obligation for some temTo do obsequious sorrow. But to persevereIn obstinate condolement is a courseOf impious stubbornness, ‗tis unmanly grief,It shows a will most incorrect to heaven,A heart unfortified, a mind impatient,An understanding simple and unschool‘d,For what we know must be, and is as commonAs any the most vulgar thing to sense---Why should we in our peevish oppositionTake it to heart? Fie, ‗tis a fault to heaven,A fault against the dead, a fault to nature,To reason most absurd, whose common themeIs death of fathers, and who still hath cried?From the first cores till he that died today,‗This must be so‘. (Hamlet, 87-106)When people actually look at the different weight which Claudius gives to the two opposite parts of his argument as his speech develops, it can be realized that Claudius‘s ‗balance‘ is actually nothing of the kind. It is just because he is under a great deal of strain, and that he is far less in control of the situation than he wants his audience to believe. But Claudius is, after all, King, and his power is absolute. He tries many ways to eliminate Hamlet, who he regarded as a great threat. Because Hamlet is deeply loved by the people, even pirates all willing to help him, Claudius had to be very careful to kill him for the right reasons. To spy whether Hamlet is mad or not, Claudius asks two of Hamlet‘s classmates to keep watch on him. Meanwhile, as bait, Ophelia is used to spy upon Hamlet‘s inner secrets. After the play, which is arranged by Hamlet, Claudius exposes his guilty conscience thoroughly. Then he plans to murder with a borrowed knife to remove Hamlet for another try. Behind the excuse of Hamlet‘s safety, Claudius sends him to England. In secret he asks the man who keeps watch on Hamlet to convey his requirement of having Hamlet killed by the King of England. But finally, he failed. Then he incites Laertes to avenge his father‘s death, because of which, Hamlet dies from the poisonous sword. Claudius is dissolute, insidious and a sham, while on the surface he pretends to be so kind. Of his character, Shakespeare shows us all the hideous features of feudal tyrants.3.3 The Tragedy of OpheliaOphelia, who is one of the loveliest girls Shakespeare has described, is also a tragic character in this play. She is kind, but because of her innocence and her tenderness, she becomes the tool which her father uses to please the King. She believes in truth, beauty and kindness. She really loves Hamlet, but she also becomes the tool of Claudius to spy upon the inner secret of Hamlet when Hamlet is mad. When her father tells her to left Hamlet, she promises him without words. Ophelia is also the victim of the politics. Is there any other reason? Of course and that is feudalism. Ophelia‘s death stimulates people to detest the hateful power, and a lso evokes people‘s sympathy for good thing s, which people have destroyed.4. The Failure of Humanism4.1 The Conflict between Humanism and RealityThe Renaissance reached its high tide in the 16th century, as so did Humanism. As the fundamental key of the Renaissance, the essence of humanism is that humans have the right to seek freedom to advocate rationalism and to gain person‘s position and development in the world. In the literature of the century 16th in England, it was plays made the best achievements, so there are many good works. To some extent, a play is a reflection of society. The history of the 16th century is filled with struggle and conflict, between capitalism and feudalism.Hamlet is a humanist, a man who is free from medieval prejudices and superstition. He has an unbounded love for the world instead of Heaven. As a of humanists, Hamlet cherishes a profound reverence for man, and he believe s in human‘s power and destiny:What a piece of work is human; how noble in reason;How infinite in faculty, in form and movingHow express and admirable; in action how like an angel;In apprehension how like a god! (Hamlet, 85-96)From such ebullient words, and vivid figure of speech, it is clear that Hamlet confirms human‘s value and dignity, as well as their wisdom and power. He believes that humans are valuable and energetic. He regards the relationship between human beings should be equal, and everyone should be respected. He values ―love‖instead of people‘s loyalty to him, and the principle of equality and love in the relationships on the feudal level. According to his thought, character, appearance and expression, name show us that he is the model of a perfect humanist. In his mind, his father (the old Hamlet) is a model of the perfect human. Towards love, friendship and life, Hamlet has his own humanism view. And he himself, just as Ophelia‘s description, is a young prince of humanism, such a lovely prince, there‘s no doubt that everyone loved him. Even Claudius, his enemy, has to admit that he is loved by the ―silly‖ people, and the ordinary people had good opinions about him.4.2 The Failure of Hamlet’s TaskWhat Hamlet is able to do is to reveal the reality that society is not reasonable and it must be changed, not how to solve such fundamental questions; to expose the crime existing in the world, not how to wipe out it. Because of the limitation of time and class, humanism does not have the ability which is needed to change a society, and wipe out social crime. It is one of the reasons that the reactionary force is powerful, because of which Hamlet fails to complete his task. Hamlet represents the few advanced people emerging in feudal society. The struggle between Hamlet and Claudius represents that between the newly emerging capitalist humanist and feudal reactionary force, which reflects the conflict between the advanced people and the evil force in the Renaissance. However, it is a complicated time, with the social crime of feudal force and capital accumulation, it is gloomy time, and it is destined to fail for the advanced people.ConclusionWith abundant and vivid subplots, Hamlet reveals an important thought: in later Renaissance, the central state power was stable, the sys tem of government was ruled by the King. The King abandoned the capitalist class, arbitrarily and dictatorially, he forcibly occupied all the benefits; in politics, he went against the progressive measure, then the feudal force had the chance to state a comeback, and each trying to cheat the other. Under such conditions, the capitalist humanists were angry with it. All the ordinary people could not bear the exploitation coming from the feudal system and original accumulation, but they could do nothing to help themselves. Such phenomenon was before the bourgeoisie revolutionary in 1645. Humanists had the thought to remove the unforgivable King and reverse the situation, but they fell into hesitation, because the responsibility for them was hard to complete.Taking the court of Denmark in the Middle Ages as the background, for the story of Hamlet‘s revenge for his father‘s d eath, Hamlet describes the reality in England and European society in the later Renaissance. It reveals the author‘s self-questioning on the Renaissance movement and his carelessness on people‘s life and future. The Renaissance promotes Europe into the time of awaking for human beings. People‘s belief in God began to shake, under the flag of ―personality liberation‖; it was the custom to do what you like to. On one side, people‘s thought liberated, which promoted the development of the social civilization. In the other side, especially in the later of Renaissance, it was full of overflow of selfish desire and social confusion. Encountering such a dynamic and confusing time, instead of the optimism and romance brought by humanism, Shakespeare shows us the hidden dangers which hid in the ideal and progress. It is destined to fail for humanists. Hamlet is the reflection of such social phenomena.Signature:。