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Period in the late Middle Ages from
around 1400 to 1650 .
Described as the study of things that promote
and exalt human culture
A Renaissance humanist was defined as being
classical, worldly, dignified, civilized, and striving
for perfection
Hamlet is said to be the ultimate Renaissance
man, both by scholars and his fellow characters
(Ophelia and Horatio both mention him as a
“noble mind”) but is he a perfect Renaissance
humanist?
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The multiple references to Alexander and
Caesar show how he is “returning to the
classics” (Greek and Roman culture)
He is obviously educated in the way of the arts
as he has an advanced knowledge of theater and
acting.
Makes references to Greek and Roman gods and
myths (Pyrrus and Hecuba; Hyperion and Jove)
Has an interest in music as he displays his
knowledge of Pan’s flute when criticizing
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern.
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Renaissance humanism is anthropocentric,
saying that reality has meaning only by human
values and experiences.
Hamlet desired to dignify his pursuits to avenge
his father, to create meaning in them.
However, Hamlet does fit the bill of “civilized” in
that his achievements seem to fall short of his
potential.
He loses sight of his Renaissance education as he
fails to acknowledge the importance of human
life as he is so enthralled with the exaltation of
his own purpose and meaning.
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Humans were said to be the crowning jewel of all
Creation.
Hamlet, through his meditations on death and
philosophical analysis of the human condition,
doubts these perfections in humans and their
ability to make the world perfect.
The internal conflict that Hamlet has brings
about the unanswerable question of man
achieving worldly perfection or, ultimately,
amounting to no more than dust.
In his anguish Hamlet discovers a unique subjectivity as he
attempts to reject the wisdom of tradition, and understand
for himself the power of man.
 The entire play Hamlet struggles to define understand the
power of humans.
 His point of view ranges from belief in the power to humans,
to a pessimistic doubt of the capabilities of man kind.
 All of Hamlet's soliloquies in Hamlet are placed in an
important order to show the dramatic progression of
Hamlet's character (from depression, to confusion, to
madness, etc.)
 The progression of Hamlet's character also applies to his
humanist aspects, from being helpless and powerless, to
wishing for the most bloodiest revenge.
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Hamlet is an intellectual; wondering "Should I act?“ before he
actually carries out his plan.
In act 1, scene 2, we see Hamlet isolated by his black clothes,
refusing to accept the consolation of Gertrude and Claudius.
Hamlet makes his feelings on their recent marriage clearly known,
yet is hesitant to take action.
His counter-humanism perspective on life does not enable him to
carry out his plans as he doubts his own power.
He hears "all that lives must die," and agrees "Ay, madam, it is
common," yet will not accept this universally held "truth" as at all
meaningful for his personal experience. "Why seems it so
particular with thee?" (1.2).
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HAMLET Dost thou think Alexander looked o' this
fashion i' th‘ earth?
HORATIOE'en so.
HAMLETAnd smelt so? Pah! (puts down the skull)
HORATIOE'en so, my lord.
HAMLETTo what base uses we may return,
Horatio. Why may notimagination trace the noble
dust of Alexander till he find it
stopping a bunghole?
HORATIO'Twere to consider too curiously, to
consider so.
HAMLETNo, faith, not a jot. But to follow him
thither with modestly enough, and likelihood to
lead it, as thus: Alexander died, Alexander was
buried, Alexander returneth to dust, the dust is
earth, of earth we make loam—and why of that
loam,whereto he was converted, might they not
stop a beer barrel?Imperious Caesar, dead and
turned to clay,Might stop a hole to keep the wind
away.Oh, that that earth, which kept the world in
awe,Should patch a wall t' expel the winter’s flaw!
But soft, but soft a while.
Hamlet is giving up on his humanism.
Horatio exspects Hamlet to give a
detailed explanation of life after death,
and the equal fate of all men, but
Hamlet says we all simply become
dust.
 Association Hamlet's mind moves to
Alexander, the type of imperial
greatness
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Hamlet considers every human’s eventual
decay.
 The skull is one of the few, if not the only,
symbol in Hamlet.
 The skull represents death, it’s inevitability, and
the modest demise of us all.
 Polonius will end as worm food, Hamlet Sr. will
end as worm food, and Alexander the Great will
end as worm food.
 No one can escape death, the fate of all
humans.
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