Hamlet is Not an Epic Hero

Hamlet is Not an Epic Hero

            Hamlet’s language differentiates him from epic heroes, such as Beowulf, in a couple of ways. The diction and tone of Hamlet’s colloquial language are noticeably different to those of Beowulf’s. Hamlet is a confused, young boy while Beowulf is a heroic, arrogant man, and this is expressed through how the characters speak. Although both Hamlet and Beowulf are critically acclaimed characters in literature, their speech distinguishes them from one another entirely.

            Diction plays a major role throughout all of Shakespeare’s plays and literary works, and Hamlet is no exception. Throughout the play, Hamlet promotes himself as an intelligent young man through his use of words. For example, in Hamlet’s soliloquy he states, “Thus conscience does make cowards of us all, and thus the native hue of resolution is sicklied o’er with the pale cast of thought…”After analyzing this quote, it is clear that Hamlet was well educated through his use of words (i.e. sicklied).

            Beowulf, among all arrogant men, speaks with words of power. Beowulf speaks highly of himself in order for his language to correspond with his actions and appearance. After all, what is a hero if he cannot express his accomplishments? For example, Beowulf states, “My father was a famous soldier, known far and wide as a leader of men.” Beowulf says this to promote himself, and his words (i.e. “…leader of men”) accomplish just that. The word “leader” is highly praised in all cultures and it allows the people to realize where he came from, and who he really is.

            The words a man uses tells you what kind of person they are, but the way a man says these words tells you what they are truly saying. Tone plays a major role in Hamlet’s language because it allows for indirect characterization throughout the play. For example, when Hamlet considers, “To die, to sleep – to sleep – perchance to dream: ay there’s the rub…” Hamlet is coming to a sudden realization when he practices self-overhearing, and we can tell through his tone. This phrase can be interpreted in a variety of ways, but Hamlet’s meaning is clear when his tone of realization sets in. After analyzing Hamlet’s language, it is clear that he speaks with an optimistic tone, and keeps an open mind through his speech.

            An epic hero requires a stern, confident tone to achieve an encouraging standard. Beowulf practices this technique throughout the epic, and his tone allowed him to attain a role model stature that he longed for. For example, immediately before diving into the lake to face his foe, Beowulf states, “And if your enemy should end my life then be, O generous prince, forever the father and protector of all whom I leave behind me, here in your hands, my beloved Comrades left with no leader, their leader dead.” This shows how Beowulf’s language expresses his determination to be the role model for his people.

            Both Hamlet and Beowulf use their language effectively to express their purpose and thoughts. Hamlet speaks in a subtle, indecisive manner while Beowulf speaks ambitiously and with heroic-like words. Although both characters’ purposes are meaningful, their languages differ between one another greatly.