Throughout Hamlet, William Shakespeare uses the idea of existentialism to explore the conflict between man and the self. This conflict branches out from the fight for revenge where Hamlet's desire to establish order in a world of chaos leaves him broken and torn, leading to his inevitable downfall and the deaths of the surrounding characters. However, as the play comes to an end, Hamlet is able to emerge as an existential hero in Shakespeare's work. Eventually, Hamlet begins to understand his identity. Hamlet is able to grapple with his own existence and purpose in life only to realize that the world he lives in is made up of facades with actors performing on a stage of false reality. Consequently, the existential ideal unifies Hamlet's work and character, shaping the perception of the action itself. Prince Hamlet is presented as a confused and slow-acting character. Although he remains faithful to this characterization throughout almost the entire play, he undergoes a transformation. At the end of the play, Hamlet is able to prove his existence, prove his thoughts and actions, and prove that...
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