Indecision and Psychological Conflict in Hamlet: A Freudian Interpretation

Abstract

This study explores the psychological side of Hamlet by William Shakespeare, and it will focus on the theme of indecision and a conflict with self that the main character faces. According to the play, Hamlet is a tragic hero whose indecisiveness to take action against the killing of his father poses relevant psychological issues. This paper uses psychoanalysis theory by Sigmund Freud especially the concept of unconscious mind, repression and the Oedipus complex to analyze the hesitation and emotional conflicts of Hamlet. This is to establish that Hamlet delays are based on moral issues or deep seated psychological problems. The study can be appreciated because it offers a deeper insight into the character of Hamlet than the traditional moralist approaches and emphasizes the importance of psychoanalytic criticism in the field of analysis of literary works. It specifically dwells on a Freudian interpretation, and largely looks into the relationships between Hamlet and Gertrude and Hamlet and Claudius.