Hamlet: A Tragicomedy of Human Messiness

Well hello there, readers of "Pearls of UnWisdom"! Today, we're diving into the world of one of the most brilliant playwrights of all time - William Shakespeare - and his famous work, "Hamlet." But don't worry, I won't be hitting you with any dense, literary analysis. Instead, we'll be exploring the quirky and hilarious aspects of human behaviour that Shakespeare has cleverly woven into the story.

First things first, let's talk about the existential crisis that Hamlet famously muses about in his soliloquy, "To be or not to be," that is the question. Or is it? For many of us, the question is more like, "Why am I here? What is the meaning of life? And can I get through this Monday without wanting to crawl under my desk?" I mean, who hasn't had a day where they felt like giving up on life? Shakespeare was just reminding us that it's a normal part of being human. Plus, who doesn't love a good existential crisis now and then? It's like an emotional rollercoaster ride without the risk of throwing up.

But back to "Hamlet." One of the play's central themes is revenge, and boy, does Hamlet have a lot of it. I don't know about you, but I've definitely had moments where I wanted to get revenge on someone who wronged me. But let's be real, when has revenge ever actually made things better? Shakespeare knew it was a trap, and he was just trying to save us from ourselves. Plus, have you seen the "John Wick" movies? Revenge never ends well.

The play also explores the complexities of human relationships, particularly between Hamlet and his mother Gertrude. We've all had those awkward family dinners where you're silently wondering if your mum's new boyfriend had anything to do with your dad's disappearance. Okay, maybe not, but you get the idea. Often, society makes us assume hierarchy commands respect however misses the fact that poor communication or the lack of it is that elephant in the room that can crush any relationship.

Shakespeare also tackles the idea of madness in "Hamlet." I mean, who hasn't pretended to be a little crazy to get out of a situation they didn't want to be in? Hamlet definitely knew how to play the game, but we all know that sometimes pretending to be crazy is just a coping mechanism for dealing with life's BS. Am I right, or am I right?

Finally, we have to talk about the role of women in Hamlet. The play has been criticised for its treatment of female characters, who are often relegated to secondary roles and portrayed as weak or passive. Ophelia, for example, is seen as a victim of circumstance, driven to madness and suicide by the actions of the men around her.

But there are also moments in the play where the women assert themselves and challenge the patriarchal norms of their society. Queen Gertrude, for example, defies the expectations of her role as a wife and mother by marrying her late husband’s brother. And even Ophelia, in her madness, sings songs that are subversive and rebellious.

This is a reminder that even in a society that tries to silence and marginalise certain groups, there are always individuals who will fight back and assert their own agency. It’s a message of hope and resilience in the face of oppression. Where there's Barbie, there can also be Annabelle, right?

Through all of this, Shakespeare reminds us that appearances can be deceiving. Just because someone seems to have it all together, doesn't mean they're not secretly screaming into a pillow every night. So, let's cut each other some slack, shall we? As we navigate the complexities of our lives, let us remember the pearls of wisdom that Shakespeare offers in "Hamlet." Let us strive to understand ourselves and others better, communicate openly and honestly, and be mindful of our emotions and crazy outbursts that could cause others and even ourselves much harm.

Shakespeare's "Hamlet" is a timeless classic that has so much to offer. From existential crises to revenge traps, family drama to fake madness, it's a treasure trove of life lessons. So next time you're feeling down, remember Hamlet's wise words and have yourself a good old existential crisis. And if all else fails, just pretend to be crazy. It works for Hamlet!