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Wednesday, 22 January 2014
The Noble Ones
In Hamlet, I think the only two truly noble people are Horatio and Laertes. In my opinion, being noble is being honorable, reputable most importantly loyal. So although both Horatio and Laertes carry out or aide in some questionable actions, their motive behind the actions is worthy. Firstly, Horatio is a tried and true friend of Hamlet's. He is there for Hamlet through the death of his father, helps Hamlet in all his crazy schemes, and consistently stands by his side, even when Hamlet is acting mad. When Hamlet is poisoned, Horatio states "I am more an antique Roman than Dane: Here's yet some liquor left." (5.2.335-6) implying he would even take his own life so he could die with his friend. These are all characteristics of a reliable friend and Horatio is someone who will be there for you when you need it. This unfailing loyalty proves that Horatio is one of the few characters in Hamlet you can be confident has your back. The only other character I see as noble in this play is Laertes. Despite conspiring with Claudius to kill Hamlet, Laertes is doing this only to avenge his father who was killed unjustly. He proclaims he will "be revenged most thoroughly for my father" (4.5.133-135). This familial obligation shows that Laertes is noble and loyal to his family. It it the duty of a family to stay together and protect each other so Laertes sees Polonius' murder as a threat to himself and his sister as well as a huge invasion of the little trust Laertes had for Hamlet previously. I think Laertes' case is the one that is more relatable to the modern world and especially my life. The responsibility I feel for my family and very close friends is much more than for my other peers. Now I'm not one to step on anyone to get what I want but to each person, everyone else is competition, for jobs, for acceptance into university, for respect, relationships etc. The desire to do well and be the best can sometimes cloud our judgement on how to treat others. Meanwhile, I would give my life for my family without a second thought; something I would only ever do for a couple of my closest friends. Maybe this makes me heartless but what really makes their life more valuable than mine. I think it is natural and how humans evolved to try to be the best and sometimes that leads to manipulation or putting one's self first.
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I really enjoyed that post and how you connected to our own life Alex! I think that explaining how being honorable does not always mean being perfect! It's a very hard concept to grasp obviously because there are so many different points of view on the true definition of nobility. Some things can look like one thing for someone, but then seem completely different in someone else's eye! You couldn't have explained that better by describing Laertes as noble. Even after all he did to Hamlet he is depicted as noble for the loyalty he has toward his family. Clearly, this idea is applicable to our own lives. I'm pretty sure everyone, as noble as they can possibly be, once had to sacrifice their nobility to accomplish something for themselves, which is understandable! Very well done my friend!
ReplyDeleteps.: it's quite an interesting link you have there! :)
I also wrote about who the most noble character as well, but I focused on Laertes and didn't even think of Horatio! After reading your blog I can see how Laertes and Horatio share so many traits and are actually similar in many ways. I agree with you saying how being noble is being honourable, reputable, and loyal. I said the same and also included just, righteous, and a few other qualities.
ReplyDeleteYour link is also really neat, I found those stats on the qualities we look for in friends interesting.