How Death is Depicted in Hamlet?: Critical Essay

Introduction

Death brings shock, change, and stress. The affected often felt lost and helpless in a world that was once filled with glamour and love. During the time of grieving, the bereaved need comfort from their close ones, yet most of the times the closest people turn out to be the predators. Due to self-interest, cynicism is high after death occurs. People do not take time to grieve; instead, they are already thinking about themselves even before the burial. The most affected are often so engulfed with grief that even actions and words that did not mean harm seem to be cynical (p. 124-128). In the books Hamlet, The death of Ivan Ilyich, and Hydriotaphia, urn burial the authors show how the change that comes after death is often perceived as cynicism. Several cases of cynicism are evident in the three books, demonstrating how death turns the closest friends into foes.

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These people believe that the human race is driven by self-interest, and their actions, no matter how good they seem, are centered on self-elevation. Even acts of kindness are due to the need for recognition. Cynical people do not believe in pure goodness without attaching strings since it defines the attitude that cynics have, that nothing comes without a hidden agenda. They are therefore less friendly, and help others selectively and are still skeptical of their intentions. The problem with dealing with cynics is that they do not trust others. Surprisingly, the most compelling characters, whether in real life or literature, are cynics. This could be because they have a realistic approach to life and never want to meddle too much into others' business, which makes them compelling people. They also voice their concerns without fear of contradiction. The three books bring out the concept of how cynical the bereaved become, especially in cases where the deceased were the head.

In the book Hamlet, the Prince is enraged by the behavior of his uncle, Claudius. Although it was a tradition that he was rightfully supposed to sit on the throne after the king's death, Prince Hamlet believes his actions are motivated by cynicism. He was a close associate of his father (the king) when he was alive, yet barely two months after his death, he has already inherited his wife (p. 1135-1197). It is expected that though tradition allows him to do so, for a genuine brother and friend, he would wait for some time before inheriting his wife and the kingdom. The family is still mourning the loss of their head of the family, yet Claudius is already dancing on his death bed. The change is so fast that the Prince cannot understand the type of brotherhood governing his uncle and father relationship.

When the ghost shows up, and it is believed to be his deceased father, Hamlet is keen to know if it will speak the truth. The pain of cynicism has driven him to desperation since his only loyal friend now remains Horatio. When Horatio tells him about the ghost, nothing can turn Prince Hamlet back. Although Horatio and Marcello express their concern about his safety, Hamlet is willing to go after the ghost and listen to his words. The cynical acts of his mother and uncle deepen the betrayal he feels, and he is ready to take revenge no matter the cost. His belief is strengthened even more when the ghost says that his uncle Claudius killed the king. The theory by the spirit confirms Hamlet's doubts that the people around the king were not his real friends; rather they were doing it for their selfish gain.

A similar scenario is also witnessed in the book The Death of Ivan Ilych. When Peter breaks the news of Ivan's death to his colleagues, it is a non-issue to them. Peter was expecting that they would mourn their departed colleague, but they did not (p. 119-138). They continued conversing as usual and even thought of the numerous transfers and promotions that would occur as a result. At work, while Ivan was prosperous and powerful, he was a colleague who many relied on to get favors and assistance, yet when he is gone, they only think about how they are going to take his position. The cynical judges acted like good people to remain close to Ivan for a benefit. As Peter drives to see the widow who is left behind, she is worried about the fate of property under Ivan's name. While Ivan had worked hard and honestly for his wealth, she is concerned that the same judges who are supposed to serve justice will take the property away.

Ivan had worked so hard that he ended up neglecting his family in a bid to secure wealthier. It was during this time that his family grew aloof, and could hardly relate to his suffering during his last days. Tolstoy illustrates how his servant and youngest son remain his closest supports during a time that he is battling with his concise whether he had lived a good life or not. He expected that his wife would be his most significant support since he had worked hard to give his family a decent house, yet she was most distant during this time. She is cynical by not minding her husband's death, but only remembers the wealth left to her name. As she grieves, she is still keen to note all the property that she now owns. The nurse is also an illustration of cynicism. She had been tasked with the home care routine for Ivan, when Peter sorrowfully talks about the death she merely brushes it off "everyone dies anyway," She aimed to acquire the money for the job, she was not moved by the death, and is ready to move to the next client.

Thomas Browne in his book Hydriotaphia, urn burial further illustrates how fast things change after death, and people go on with their lives as though nothing has changed. No matter how important the person is, all people think about is what benefit his death has brought. Browne uses a biblical approach to show the change and shock of death by illustrating the case of Noah after the floods. By a deeply philosophical approach, he brings to light the feeling of desperation that mortality brings. Although others wish death could be done away with, the ash in the urns is a symbol of how even the most powerful cannot buy life. Most people fear what will happen to their loved ones after they are gone, in a society where men have turned against each other.

In the biblical aspect, the only hope that remains for Christians is the resurrection. When Jesus Christ was ascending into heaven, he promised his disciples that he would come back for his flock and take them home to rejoice eternally (John 14: 3). In the city of Jerusalem, there are no tears, hunger, thirst or any form of suffering. Browne notes how much the bereaved also often feel unprotected from a cruel world where everyone serves self-interest as they watch the urns containing the remains of their loved ones. The feeling of insecurity is due to the cynicism exhibited by even the closest friends. Their hope remains in the reassurance of Jesus Christ.

Conclusion

A cynical society has increased the fear of death in society, as derived from these books. Literature is a reflection of what society is, so it's not fiction. The storylines of the three are based on real-life happenings, which is a good case study of how deep cynicism is rooted in the community. In a capitalist world, people are thinking of how to build better houses, buy new cars and go for luxuries holidays, so the end justifies the means. Whether it is at the expense of someone's career or entire life, it does not matter. Death is no longer a source of grief or time to bring together communities. It has become a family affair, and the person is soon forgotten about after his burial. What remains is planning on how to benefit from his death in terms of career development and property.

Works Cited

Bible, King James. King James Bible. Proquest LLC, 1996.

Boyd, Kenneth. "Attitudes to death: some historical notes." Journal of medical ethics 3.3 (1977): 124-128.

Browne, Thomas. (2010). Urn burial. New Directions Publishing.

Shakespeare, William. "The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark.[1601]." The Riverside Shakespeare (1980): 1135-1197.

Tolstoy, Leo. "The death of Ivan llyich." Medicine and Literature, Volume Two. CRC Press, 2018. 119-138.