Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Nietzsche on Hamlet
"The Dionysian man resembles Hamlet: both have once looked truly into the essence of things, they have gained knowledge, and nausea inhibits action; for their action could not change anything in the eternal nature of things; they feel it to be ridiculous or humiliating that they should be asked to set right a world that is out of joint. Knowledge kills action; action requires the veils of illusion: that is the doctrine of Hamlet, not that cheap wisdom of Jack the Dreamer who reflects too much and, as it were, from an excess of possibilities does not get round to action. Not reflection, no -- true knowledge, an insight into the horrible truth, outweighs any motive for action." Nietzsche, Birth of Tragedy
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This is an interesting quote, though I do not like the notion that Hamlet is offended by his father's request for revenge. Hamlet is not offended, he is confused. Is it his knowledge that causes him to delay killing Claudius? No. If he knew for sure that Claudius had killed his father, then his knowledge should hasten his killing of Claudius, not delay it. I think it more likely that Hamlet is caught between his view of his parents, and their marriage, and the view of his mother that is emerging as the play unfolds. That Hamlet chastises his mother proves his disappointment in her, and he would only be disappointed if he once thought her worthy and good. Seeing her with Claudius has changed his impression of her for the worse.
Basically, I think that the quote is a little too wordy for its meaning to be easily understood, but when picked apart, phrases like "offended" do not ring true to Hamlet's character.
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