Ophelia

In a world where things are not as they seem, Prince Hamlet's genuineness, thoughtfulness, and sincerity make him special. Hamlet is a good person, and although himself not a saint, he refuses to "come down to" other's level. He has honor. Such is one of the major themes in Shakspeare's tragedy Hamlet. Nonetheless, Hamlet is the most wishy-washy and indescisive character in English literature. His refusal to actually take action, and to merely and continually think things over, is his great flaw.

In his death, despite his early inaction, Hamlet reaffirms the dignity of a decent person in a bad world. He leaves us with the message that good and honorable life is indeed worth living, even by imperfect people in an imperfect world.

Shakespeare's Hamlet is full of dead bodies, ghosts, murder, suicide, disease, graves, insanity and there is no traditional Christian comfort or promise of eventual happiness in Heaven for good people. Yet the message is ultimately one of hope. You can be a hero.

As you briefly explore the play, watch how Hamlet - who at first wishes he were dead - comes to terms with life, keeps his integrity, and strikes back successfully at what's wrong around him.