Criticism of Practical Application of Utopia in Brave New...

Criticism of Practical Application of Utopia in Brave New World Debra Ackerman Mrs. Eileen Waite Criticism of Practical Application of Utopia in Brave New World Aldous Huxleys Brave New World illustrates the loss of morality when established standards are replaced by amoral criteria. In his novel, Huxley criticizes the practical applications of Utopia in actual society. Huxleys depiction of love, science, and religion support the ineffectiveness of implementing Utopia in everyday life. In Brave New World, Huxley shows contempt for the human emotion of love. The people that make up his imaginary society have no conception of love or any other passion, and actually scorn the idea. Huxley believes that along with passion†¦show more content†¦Not only are people born, or in this sense created, by scientific means, but they are also conditioned to think and live a certain way through science. Even before babies are born, they are treated to a specific amount of oxygen, or a specific temperature in order for them to be conditioned to fit into a certain caste. In the novel, Henry Foster explains this process to the students saying: We also predestine and condition. We decant our babies as socialized human beings, as Alphas or Epsilons, as future sewage workers, or future . . . Directors of Hatcheries. (12) In Brave New World, science and technology are used not to help society, but to control society. From the time that the embryos are in each bottle to the time of death for each person, science is acting as a controller, ruling over every individual life. Although their world is based on science and technology, the leaders of Utopia know that science is dangerous; [they] have to keep it most carefully chained and muzzled (231). In a world where Community, Identity, and Stability is the main objective, scientific advancement is unacceptable. As the World Controller explains, science is . . . another item in the cost of stability . . . incompatible with happiness (231). Huxley knows that along with science comes change and in his Utopia, no one can afford change. By sacrificing change, the controllers of the brave new world are maintaining stability. In our society, man controlsShow MoreRelated The Application of Utopia in Brave New World Essay1190 Words   |  5 PagesThe Application of Utopia in Brave New World      Ã‚   Aldous Huxleys Brave New World illustrates the loss of morality when established standards are replaced by amoral criteria.   In his novel, Huxley criticizes the practical applications of Utopia in actual society. Huxleys depiction of love, science, and religion support the ineffectiveness of implementing Utopia in everyday life.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In Brave New World, Huxley shows contempt for the human emotion of love.  Read MoreOrganisational Theory230255 Words   |  922 Pagesothers who should know better) to trivialize this very problematic and challenging subject. This is not the case with the present book. This is a book that deserves to achieve a wide readership. Professor Stephen Ackroyd, Lancaster University, UK This new textbook usefully situates organization theory within the scholarly debates on modernism and postmodernism, and provides an advanced introduction to the heterogeneous study of organizations, including chapters on phenomenology, critical theory and psychoanalysis

Cyber Bullying And The Internet - 1324 Words

As we enter the age of the Internet we have ushered in the newest, and arguably, most powerful form of bullying, called cyber bullying. Unfortunately, no one is exempt from cyber bullying. The Internet is a tool that gives anyone a voice, including bullies. It is a marvelous element that has become an operating tool in our daily lives. We learn from it, communicate with it, and are entertained by it. However, there are people who use it to mistreat others. We hear on the news, more often than we should, of young people committing suicide due to cyber bullying. While there are bullies of all ages, today’s youth is growing up in a technological age which makes the already tortuous period of adolescence even more painful. During adolescence we are naturally influenced by others, and constantly, obsessively comparing ourselves to everyone else. In cyberspace the bully has an accessible, almost effortless outlet that, if he so chooses, makes him anonymous. By concealing his identit y, unless someone is a cyber-hacking wizard, the victim of his bullying won’t know where it is coming from. This allows him to say whatever he wants, whenever he wants, at the click of a few buttons, and remain nameless. This gives him the audacity he may not have in a face-to-face situation, to say anything that invades his head to this person he intends to hurt, without having to witness his victim’s reaction. It is almost as easy as having a thought. He can type harmful comments almost as fast as theShow MoreRelatedThe Internet and Cyber-bullying Essay643 Words   |  3 PagesBullying is a major act that is increasing among our teens today, and it is something that we need to act about, as it not only damages the self-esteem of young teen, but in severe cases it may lead to suicide or severe depression, leading to drug use. Bullying is not only limited to the real world, but also the online, virtual world, in a form known as ‘Cyber Bullying’.Cyber bul lying is when a child or teen is threatened, harassed, humiliated orembarrassed by another person using the InternetRead MoreInternet Violence And Cyber Bullying3649 Words   |  15 PagesThe use of internet is prevalent showing its global consumption. Social media have been available even to the young population. They are effective means of communication, socialization, and in collecting and sharing information. However, internet is becoming unsafe and hostile. They do not just serve its real purpose; instead they become effective means for bullies to perform offences or harmful activities anonymously (Davison Stein, 2014). Internet-related abuses and cyber bullying has long beenRead MoreWhen the Internet Attacks! : Cyber Bullying and Blogging800 Words   |  4 PagesWhen the Internet Attacks! : Cyber Bullying and Blogging Engagement in internet attacks is a disturbing way in which individuals seek attention at the cost of another person’s self worth. With the use of bullying to make others feel small, snark to increase their own self importance, and distortions of the truth to make things more â€Å"interesting†, this is a large issue that effects many lives in different ways. The internet has become a large part of most daily lives in the United States, accordingRead MoreBullying and the Internet Technology is and will be constantly changing, because of this cyber1500 Words   |  6 PagesBullying and the Internet Technology is and will be constantly changing, because of this cyber bullying is becoming more of a problem. Some advances in technology like being able to have x-rays, MRI’s have had a positive affect, while others like the cell phone, and social media have not. In about the last 25 years bullying has evolved from being picked on at school to being harassed through things like text messaging, social media, and email. In the past, bullying could happen anywhere like onRead MoreCyber Bullying And Its Effect On Society883 Words   |  4 PagesCyber-bullying is the use of electronic communications to bully a person. Cyber-bullying takes place by using the Internet, cell phones, video game systems, and other technology. Cyber-bully sends or posts text or image that is intended to hurt feelings or embarrass another person in front of others. Bullying is an aggressive behavior which causes harm and stress to its victims and it escalates over time. Furthermore, everybody has mobile phones and they are using it all day long. There is certainlyRead More Cyber Bullying Essay1419 Words   |  6 Pagesare unaware of is bullying exists in many forms and is more common in the cyber world. In 2012, CBC news reporter Joan Leishman , aired â€Å"Cyber-bullying,† she describes a story about a student named David Knight’s unbearable life entering the Internet. Later in 2014, Rachel Simmons, a forme r Rhodes Scholar and the founding director of the Girls Leadership Institute, wrote an article titled â€Å"Cyberbullying Is a Growing Problem.† Simmons article addressed the impact of cyber bullying in the 21st centuryRead MoreCyber Bullying Is Harmful Than Traditional Bullying1512 Words   |  7 PagesCyber-bullying involves the use of technology to cause distress, harm, and torture to the victim. This involves sending abusive or intimidating messages, emails, and pictures through the use of several technological avenues. Traditional bullying involves physical aggression to a victim through using abusive verbal language and physical beating. Cyber- bullying seems to have surpassed traditional bullying because of the increased advance in the world of technology. Most bullies have turned to technologyRead MoreThe Prevention of Cyberbullying627 Words   |  3 Pagesthe Internet, bullying persists with new forms and faces. Bullies can hide behind anonymous user profiles onlin e, creating an environment in which young victims have no direct resources. Effective methods of controlling the problem of cyber bullying are necessary to prevent problems such as suicide. One student in Iowa committed suicide after bullies at his school posted that the student was gay on Facebook; as a result of this and related suicides, the state of Iowa is redefining what cyber bullyingRead MoreCyber Bullying. Today, This Is The Most Popular Topic Amongst1233 Words   |  5 PagesCyber Bullying Today, this is the most popular topic amongst the younger generation. The rise of technology has influenced our lives with the use of social networking sites and electronic devices predominant with today’s youth. What many adults are unaware of is bullying exists in many forms and is more common in the cyber world. In 2012, CBC news reporter Joan Leishman, aired â€Å"Cyber-bullying,† where she relates a story about a student named David Knight’s unbearable life entering the internet. LaterRead MoreCyber Bullying And Its Effects On Society1283 Words   |  6 Pagesis also now being used to cause harm to people. Cyber bullying differs from traditional physical bullying, because it occurs through emails, texts, or social media. The person behind the computer can remain anonymous because the internet allows individuals to make up false information. Negative effects, such as depression, suicide, and anxiety are some factors resulted in cyber bullying. There is a strong emotional impact caused by cyber bullying due to the lack of remorse demonstrated online.

Metaphysical Poetry Definition Example For Students

Metaphysical Poetry Definition Metaphysical poetry was originally a style of poetry to describe the poet John Donnes work, but then later extended to a school of 17th century poets. The verse deals with the use of philosophy to explain the human drama in the universe. Their poetic style and method is what linked the poets together. Here, the poets Andrew Marvell, who wrote To His Coy Mistress, George Herbert who wrote Love and John Donne who wrote The Sun Rising all fit into the metaphysical grouping. All the poems include an argument within themselves. The poem To His Coy Mistress is structured within a syllogistic framework which begins with an initial premise, then introduces a qualification to the premise, and ends with a resolution to the conflict. In addition, Marvell manages to marry a syllogistic framework with a passionate poem of seduction. He firstly argues that if the couple had all the time in the world, he would woo his lady so slowly her coyness would be irrelevant. Had we but world enough, and time, This coyness, lady, were no crime. He proceeds to outline what he would do out of love for his lady if they were both to live for much longer, mentioning such lengths of time as centuries and ages. Throughout this initial premise of if, he uses esoteric imagery to illustrate his argument. For example, he describes his life as a vegetable love, which not only gives connotations of a slow, developing love to grow for his mistress, but also the description of a vegetable soul. The vegetable soul is the lowest level of the soul in the Renaissance concept in the levels of reason. Therefore, this suggests a kind of love that could exist without sensual enjoyment and suggests, by its association with the vegetable soul, that it is a lower form of love than sexual love. This is because the middle soul the sensible soul deals with passion and love. This use of metaphysical conceit is common in all the poems, and Marvells technique of drawing upon philosophy to illustrate his argument gives the poem an intellectual appeal, not just a visual one. There is also complete devotion displayed in this first stage of the argument, namely: I would Love you ten years before the flood. And you should, if you please, refuse Till the conversion of the Jews. Here, this deals with the extremity of his argument. He is prepared to love her ten years before the flood presumably Noahs Ark, and would not be at all insulted if she refused to love him back until the conversion of the Jews, seemingly until the end of time. Once his opinions have been established, he then continues to t he second stage of his argument. Beginning with the conjunction of But a word that prepares us for an alternative argument, Marvells second stage in his syllogistic framework refutes the initial premise by addressing the concepts of reality. He now asserts that time is an issue, having already established that if it wasnt, his method of seduction would be different. By firstly shifting to the present tense, which creates a sense of immediacy, he then uses more stylistic devices to convey the sense of urgency that is necessary when he is discussing the lack of time that the couple possess. For example, he firstly describes the winged chariot that is hurrying near. The winged chariot metaphor gives the reader connotations of a fast and furious speed, which is then neatly juxtaposed with the Deserts of vast eternity which gives an atmosphere of a slow, fruitless future. .uaf5120545adf1cedb32e83a9e4aef86a , .uaf5120545adf1cedb32e83a9e4aef86a .postImageUrl , .uaf5120545adf1cedb32e83a9e4aef86a .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .uaf5120545adf1cedb32e83a9e4aef86a , .uaf5120545adf1cedb32e83a9e4aef86a:hover , .uaf5120545adf1cedb32e83a9e4aef86a:visited , .uaf5120545adf1cedb32e83a9e4aef86a:active { border:0!important; } .uaf5120545adf1cedb32e83a9e4aef86a .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .uaf5120545adf1cedb32e83a9e4aef86a { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .uaf5120545adf1cedb32e83a9e4aef86a:active , .uaf5120545adf1cedb32e83a9e4aef86a:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .uaf5120545adf1cedb32e83a9e4aef86a .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .uaf5120545adf1cedb32e83a9e4aef86a .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .uaf5120545adf1cedb32e83a9e4aef86a .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .uaf5120545adf1cedb32e83a9e4aef86a .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .uaf5120545adf1cedb32e83a9e4aef86a:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .uaf5120545adf1cedb32e83a9e4aef86a .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .uaf5120545adf1cedb32e83a9e4aef86a .uaf5120545adf1cedb32e83a9e4aef86a-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .uaf5120545adf1cedb32e83a9e4aef86a:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Cousin Kate EssayMarvell then has a pronoun switch, which draws the woman directly into the argument and enhances the sense of intimacy, with the intimate form of you thy. Marvell then uses grim, humorous, phallic imagery to demonstrate how lust will inevitably die, and the consequence of there being no lust in death. Thy beauty shall no more be found; . then worms shall try That long-preserved virginity. There is a grim, dark humor present, not only with the phallic imagery of the worms, but also the use of quaint, which also had a crude, underlying meaning at the time when the poem was written. The third and final stage is the resolution of the argument in the syllogistic framework. Marvell asserts that due to him being unable to love her slowly and realizing that time is precious, he resorts to the logical conclusion of a quickening of affection: Now let us sport us while we may This hurried tone is present throughout the final stage, however Marvell also uses the realities of life to subvert the premise of the first part of the argument. To do so, he uses extremely strong imagery again to conclude his argument with the last part of the argument concentrating on sexual imagery, such as the amorous birds of prey/Rather at once our time devour which can also be extended to an image of the couple seizing control of the issue by devouring time and the iron gates of life. Also, adverb use enhances the intensity of his emotion, such as Now.. , being an imperative conveying his sense of urgency to the reader, and Let us also asserting their mutual, joint enterprise, and willing insinuating a sexual eagerness. The use of metaphysical conceits here make the argument much more than a brief sexual encounter, but a vigorous sexual union where Marvell wishes to defy barriers and the concept of time, which is summed up in a crescendo in lines 45 and 46: Thus, though we cannot make our sun Stand still, yet we will make him run. The last couplet sums up the whole argument Marvell expresses that although they cannot stop time, they as a couple can control how fast the time goes. This is reminiscent of the carpe diem theme and the poem by Herrick: Gather ye rosebuds celebrating the enjoyment of life and the need to seize the day. Furthermore, the words Stand still can be related back to Joshua in the Old Testament, where he commanded the sun to stand still whilst he did heroic deeds. This is clever, ironic humor, as earlier in the poem he implies the lack of an afterlife, as the woman is destined to lie in the marble vault and only vast deserts implying nothing of eternity lies before them, inste ad of the spirit being reborn into an eternal life. Marvell also uses the rhyme scheme of the poem to re-emphasize this union of two parts. The entire poem consists of rhyming couplets, which takes two separate lines and make a matching pair out of them. In addition, the concentrated style of the poem and the frequent use of enjambment demonstrate the compression and intensity of Marvells argument. Marvells uses learned and diverse reference to not only the Bible but also to philosophy, combined with the logical structure unusual for a love ballad, as the structure almost takes on a business-like arrangement, frank emotion and sexuality and humor although still with a light tone. Although the basic argument is a sexual conquest, it also is an assertion of human capability to defy the imperatives of time. All the metaphysical poets have drawn on the same key features of not only using logic and reasoning to explain intense emotions, but also draw upon specialized areas such as law, religion, and philosophy to describe their love, often in conceits an unusual tactic to adopt, which produces a witty and humorous style to many pieces of work in this particular school of poets.

Laertes and Hamlet Essay Example

Laertes and Hamlet Paper Hamlet does not have the character to be a revenger, he can say he words, make promises to himself and others but when faced with the situation he cannot do it. Laertes has similarities with Fortinbras in the way he conducts his revenge he too is a man of action, and unlike Hamlet ready to fight anyone who he thinks may have had something to do with his fathers death. His readiness to believe that Hamlet is responsible for all the tragic events in the court during his absence and his willingness to go farther than the King to ensure that Hamlet will be killed in the fencing are witness to this. He is a very powerful character and behaves in a way Hamlet wishes he himself could act. Laertes is extremely angry, he thinks that Polonius should have been given a better burial and this spurs on his desire for revenge. In Act IV scene V it is announced that Laertes has burst into the court with a band if men threatening the lie of the king, whom he takes to be his fathers killer. Claudius knows that he must have Laertes on his side in order to keep the Danes on his side and to hold his position as king. He is scared Laertes will lead the Danes against him. We will write a custom essay sample on Laertes and Hamlet specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Laertes and Hamlet specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Laertes and Hamlet specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer So, almost immediately he devises a plan to keep Laertes on his side and protect himself from Hamlet at the same time. In other words, he uses Laertes to scheme against Hamlet, to save his own life. When Laertes returns from France Claudius jumps on the opportunity provided by Laertes fury at his fathers death. The King skilfully quietens Laertes and leads him to the plot by which Laertes will be the instrument of Hamlets death, as the king desires. Claudius spends a lot of time convincing Laertes of his innocence and Hamlets guilt, and hegoes on persuading Laertes until his mind is made up for him: he is determined to kill Hamlet. This is exactly what Claudius wanted and Laertes is now so angry at Hamlet he is prepared to do anything. Claudius is very sneaky in how he goes about talking to Laertes. And where thoffence is let the great axe fall. (Act IV scene v Line 213). Here is shown to already be fuelling Laertes desire for revenge and he is leading him straight to Hamlet. The King finishes his work of convincing Laertes that Hamlet, not he himself, is guilty of Poloniuss death and Ophelias madness. At first Laertes mistrusts him: why is Hamlet still free? The king makes a good case: he will not kill him for fear of alienating his queens affection, and, the people of Denmark love their prince. Instead he whips Laertes into a passionate desire for vengeance on Hamlet. In Act IV scene vii when the messenger brings the letters from Hamlet, Claudius is shocked Hamlet is still alive but does not allow it to weaken his control over Laertes. Laertes is desperate at this point having learned of his fathers death and seen Ophelia in a terrible state right before his eyes, and he unlike Hamlet, helped by encouragement from Claudius is ready to take revenge. Im lost in it, my lord. But let him come; It warms the very sickness in my heart, That I shall live and tell him to his teeth, Thus diddest thou. (Act IV, Scene VII Lines 53-56). Laertes is very active in his thoughts of revenge, he doesnt hold back; this is very different to Hamlets behaviour. Although Laertes does let Claudius take control of his revenge, not because he isnt capable of doing it himself but because Claudius provides such a good case that he should do it and Laertes should just focus on actually killing Hamlet. Throughout this scene Claudius builds up Laertes desire for revenge to such a point that Laertes is even prepared to take Hamlets life in a church. Claudius needs Hamlet out the way as soon as possible but is very devious and in his speech to Laertes drops no hints that any of the revenge he is planning on Hamlet is for his own purpose. That we would do, We should do when we would; for this would changes (Act IV, Scene VII Lines 118-119). Claudius tells Laertes that they should do at once what they want to do kill Hamlet or otherwise they will be influenced not to like Hamlet. This is ironic because Hamlets actions are continually put off by thought. Claudius is deadly, he has everything planned out the fencing the poisoning and he has Laertes to do the deed for him who has the motive to leave Claudius free of any blame. Laertes, like Fortinbras, has revengeful characteristics. It is not hard for him to think about murder and he agrees to Claudius plans straightaway he doesnt delay his actions, unlike Hamlet. This shows the audience the great difference in personalities between the revenge characters. When Laertes learns of Ophelias death it adds to his rage and his desire to kill Hamlet. Laertes is distraught at his sisters death, especially the way in which her funeral service was carried out, this adds to his hatred of Hamlet and leads to their fight in Ophelias grave when both characters seem prepared to kill each other. Fortinbras is not one of the main characters in the play, but he is always somewhere in the background. He is a definite man of action willing to fight whoever whenever. He is also very clever, in his first appearance in Act IV Scene IV, when he and his army are on an expedition to Poland to fight over a piece of disputed territory. The audience may realise that Fortinbras perhaps has an alterior motive to pass through Denmark on the way to Poland linked to his desire for revenge. He is perhaps passing through to see whats going on, to see whether an invasion would be a good idea at that particular point in time. Unlike Laertes and Hamlet, Fortinbras revenge is laid out to him on a plate; he barely has to lift a finger before he finds himself in the perfect position to take over Denmark. The most we see of Fortinbras is in the last scene after nearly all of the main characters have been killed. This quarry cries on havoc. O proud death, What feast is toward in thine eternal cell, That thou so many princes at a shot So bloodily hast struck? (Act V Scene II Lines 346-349). Here Fortinbras is basically saying that the heap of bodies cry out for merciless slaughter in revenge (havoc). To cry havoc was to give army the signal to break ranks and plunder what they had conquered. Fortinbras realises the opportunities now open for him, now that the royalty of Denmark are dead and he seizes these opportunities. I have some rights of memory in this kingdom, Which now to claim my vantage doth invite me (Act V Scene II Lines 371-372). Fortinbras knows he has the rights to the crown of Denmark, as well as to Norway, and now the opportunity invites him to claim his rights. Horatio tells Fortinbras that Hamlets dying wish was that Fortinbras would take the throne. Hamlet realised what would be best for Denmark and its future. Fortinbras is a replacement approved by Hamlet himself. This is how Shakespeare ends the play. The final scene is the climax of the revenge theme in the play. The three characters are each involved and each gets their revenge in one way or another. Laertes kills Hamlet with his poisoned foil. Hamlet kills Claudius though even at this point in the play Hamlet is avenging his mothers death not only his fathers and it is perhaps this a murder committed right before his eyes- which actually forces him to kill Claudius and when he does it is particularly striking that at this moment Hamlet utters not one word concerning the assassination of his father. Fortinbras arrives at the court to find the King Queen and heir to the throne dead and the position as king of Denmark wide open to him, none of which is through his own doing. Fortinbras symbolises the outside world breaking into the play the court destroying the vicious circle of love, hate and revenge. It is therefore very important. He provides a contrast to the rotten, poisoned state of Denmark. In Conclusion, revenge is one of the most important themes within hamlet. The differences in the ways Hamlet, Laertes and Fortinbras conduct their revenge lead to many of the events throughout the play and raise their interest value to the audience. The revengers are wholly responsible for the dramatic climax at the end of the play and the many deaths within it. Even though Claudius helps Laertes, and Hamlet should have taken his revenge much earlier on in the play. The final event of Fortinbras gaining the title King of Denmark is the climax of the revenge theme. The play begins with showing the strict security at Denmark because they fear invasion from Norway, but it ends with the Court of Elsinore and the position of ruler held within it left wide open for Fortinbras to take. This shows the total collapse of Denmark caused by the corruption and the revenge led by the characters throughout the play. Claudius efforts to kill hamlet paid off, but he got killed in the process, as well as his wife, therefore losing his position as King. Hamlet got revenge on Claudius but it was perhaps not justified. Laertes got his revenge on Hamlet but in the end made peace with him by asking Hamlet for an exchange of forgiveness, he wants them to die as friends. Many people have questioned why hamlet delayed his revenge, but there really is nothing surprising about it. It is one of the ways in which Shakespeare links hamlet to everyday life, to show him as human. It is the nature of all human beings to put off a searching task or an impelling duty involving something disagreeable or worse. (A man who has to write a difficult letter will tidy his desk e.g. before he begins). So with Hamlet; the delay is simple and can be matched with a similar inclination in us all. Shakespeare humanized Hamlet; the evidence talked about in this essay suggests that Hamlet is really delaying action because it is human to do so, and not part of his character. The events of the last scene are not what the audience would have expected to happen. One way to explain this is that Shakespeare wanted to disrupt the conventions of classical tragedy, which he may have seen as too heavily laden with stereotypes. His Macbeth, Othello, Brutus, even his King Lear, are, from the first act, so imprisoned in conventional attitudes that they become perfectly predictable. But, not in Hamlet; Shakespeare surprises us at each turn, it is the unpredictable, which dominates, and the final scene has only tenuous connections with the first act. Maybe Shakespeare chose in the final analysis only to present the themes, which for him had any fundamental importance: doubt and uncertainty therefore perhaps anticipating the theatre of the absurd and making it so popular.