The Hamlet

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Inter-generational conflict in the Hamlet by Shakespeare
Conflict is a dominant feature in Shakespeare stories and play, inter-generation wars in the
Hamlet are events through parents-children relationship and politics of succession that lead to the
death of both generations (Byles 214). The Hamlet outlines generational conflict between the
older and younger generation. The older generation imposes values and ideals on the younger
generation resulting in physical and psychological battles. The younger generation is motivated
by revenge, while the older generation desire to maintain status quo. The two generations have
different expectations of each other, most which remain unfulfilled, as a result, conflict arises
causing tragedies like the death of both generations. Throughout the play, both parents and
children suffer from unhealthy relationships; and the older generation is domineering a friction
that leads to the pain of characters. Besides, Shakespeare uses this captivating form of conflict to
outline the struggles of the younger generation mending the broken values and breaking free
from tradition. This essay discusses these generational conflicts and the struggles of the younger
generation in breaking free from tradition.
The plot of the play begins when Claudius kills Hamlet's father, in return Hamlets, seeks
revenge resulting in inter-generation discord. Claudius approach to these battles is indirect he
does not directly confront Hamlet but uses his generation to turn against him. Claudius turns the
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inter-generational war into an intra-generation strife a means to protect his throne. The
familiarity between Hamlet and his young generation protects him. Claudius works to calm his
niece's rage as he mourns the death of his father. He smoothly refers to him as a son, going
further to offer advice on the proper way of mourning (Shakespeare 60). This fatherly behavior
of Claudius raises suspicions; Hamlet is cautious while relating to his uncle at the back of his
mind he knows he is a dysfunctional family. The two generations are losing touching, each
fighting to protect its needs.
The conflict between the two generations draws attention to individual struggles of the
younger generation. As seen in the Polonius house, Shakespeare relies on the theme of conflict to
tell the story of the Polonius house. The Polonius family relationship depicts the struggles of the
younger generation breaking free from suffocating values of, the older generation. Ophelia is
bossed and intimidated by her father, feeling obliged to obey his commands. Her elder Laertes
brother warns her of her close friendship with Hamlet, her father who overheads the conversation
warns her of getting close to Hamlet, he says Tender yourself more dearly or not you will tender
me a fool. (Shakespeare 107-109). This warning shows the concern of the father from his
throne; and she responds, I shall obey, my Lord. (Shakespeare 136). Through intimidation
Ophelia depends on his father for decision-making, her struggles with her views drive her mad.
She breaks from this tradition of blind obedience when she eventually commits suicide. On the
other hand, Polonius relationship with his son cites a similar struggle of a younger generation
breaking free from older generations values and morals. The fathers desire for dominion
equally overshadows his sons needs. The parasitic relationship between father and son worsens
each day till Polonius death.

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There exist an intergenerational conflict of morals, with the younger generation
struggling to mend the mistakes of the older generation. Hamlet loathes Claudius marriage to his
mother Gertrude, and he shows his distress in the marriage struggling to maintain a sportive
relationship with his mother. His mothers choices of marriages reflect on Hamlets criticism to
women. The marriage drives the zeal and desire to kill his uncle (Shakespeare 160). Despite his
hatred for his mother, Hamlets wants her happy, showing deep care for Gertrude (Obrien 23).
When Gertrude passes on, Hamlet is devastated by her death and how close they had both grown
towards each other. Besides, Hamlets relationship with the father is a close, showing no signs of
conflict. He looks upon his fathers ghost for guidance, the amount of respect he shows to the
ghost reflects his desire to recreate his values. His fathers ghost guides ignite the avenger in
him, Hamlet, however questions his fathers intention and occasional a delay. Unlike the older
generation through the action of his uncle Claudius, who willingly killed a fellow human being;
Hamlet questions his morals of taking a life.
The Hamlet presents struggles of the younger generation struggles in recreating values of,
the older generation, the whole struggling to break from tradition. Shakespeare uses this conflict
to express the struggles of both generations that results in conflict, with each generation utilizing
different skills to influence or oppose change. Claudius and Hamlet begin the inter-generational
conflict. There exist struggles of moral and values within Hamlet. He begins with the desire to
seek revenge for his fathers death and later struggles with the act of committing murder. The
older generation embraces incestuous marriage; and Hamlets detests his uncle from marrying his
mother, a reason that propels his hatred from women. Polonius children Ophelia and Laertes
each struggle to break from tradition, the domineering character of their father.
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Works Cited
Byles, Montgomery. Shakespeare and Psychoanalysis: Tragic Alternatives: Eros and Superego
Revenge in Hamlet. Online Journal of Psychological study of the Arts.
Obrien, Peggy. Teaching Hamlet and Henry IV, Part 1: Shakespeare Set Free, Part 1. Simon
and Schuster. Print.
Shakespeare, William, and Cyrus Hoy. Hamlet. New York: W.W. Norton, 1996. Print.

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Surname 1

Inter-generational conflict in the Hamlet by Shakespeare

generation in breaking free from tradition.

revenge resulting in inter-generation discord. Claudius approach to these battles is indirect he

fighting to protect its needs.

each day till Polonius death.

There exist an intergenerational conflict of morals, with the younger generation

Hamlet questions his morals of taking a life.

Revenge in Hamlet. Online Journal of Psychological study of the Arts.

and Schuster. Print.

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