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Examples Of Nihilism In Hamlet

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Prince Hamlet's actions and ideas throughout the play demonstrate nihilism. The Skeptics held the earliest philosophical positions connected to what might be called a nihilistic outlook. The author of an article that examines the causes, distinctive characteristics, and lives of those who go through these crises writes: "Because they denied the possibility of certainty, Skeptics could denounce traditional truths as unjustifiable opinions. Demosthenes (c. 371-322 BC), for instance, asserts the relational nature of knowledge by stating, "What he wished to believe, that is what each man believes" (Olynthiac). This quote implies that knowledge is arbitrary and that everyone has the freedom to form their own opinions. He makes the implication …show more content…

In a meaningless and absurd universe, existentialist philosophy emphasizes the isolation and anxiety of the individual. This is demonstrated by the character's struggles with meaninglessness, alienation, and angst in Hamlet. Hamlet constantly wonders where he fits into the world and tries to make sense of what is happening to him. He is left to reflect on the meaning of life and the purpose of his existence because he is unable to find comfort in the traditional religious beliefs of his society. "To be, or not to be, that is the question: Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, Or to take arms against a sea of troubles, And by opposing end them. To die: to sleep; No more; and by a sleep to say we end The heart-ache and the thousand natural shocks That flesh is heir to, 'tis a consummation”(2.2.268). Existentialism is exemplified by this passage from the book. Thinking about the purpose of life and whether it is worthwhile to live it. Hamlet is debating the value of life and the question of whether it is more honorable to endure the cruel course of existence or to take a stand against it and put an end to it. Since life and death are existential issues, he is having difficulty with them. He is thinking about the suffering, heartache, and pain that come with life, and he is wondering if the end of life puts an end to all the suffering or if it is just a brief solace. Hamlet's internal conflict between his sense of duty, his emotions, and his own mortality is illustrated in this quote. He is having trouble with the concept of life and death and is unsure of what is the right course of action. In order to decide how to live his life and accept his own mortality, he is attempting to do both. This quote serves as an illustration of how existentialism can cause an internal conflict.

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