<'cuse my most generic title...>
One of the most recognizable quotes of American literature, “To be, or not to be”, is quoted by Prince Hamlet from Shakespeare’s play Hamlet. The philosophical and intricate mind of Hamlet differs significantly from other heroes of epics or stories. For instance, King Beowulf was a charismatic leader who believed peace and power were superior in comparison to Hamlet’s belief about revenge and mind. The interesting part about Hamlet is that he is characterized by the other character’s action—it almost seems like Hamlet is not a protagonist because his role is transparent yet significant. Beowulf on the other hand is a much more dramatic character whose role in the story is very hero-like and show traits that conveys to the readers that he is suited for a king. Hamlet differs from other protagonists or heroes in stories due to his portrayal in the play and his battling mind with revenge, love and chaos.
Most heroes we think of are strong, wise, powerful, and charismatic and many others however Hamlet doesn’t fit to any of these criteria. Although he is wise and a plan maker, his actions don’t show directly whereas Beowulf’s actions and plans are clear to the readers. “Why then, ‘tis none to you, for there is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so. To me, it is a prison.” The readers have to get inside Hamlet’s mind when deciphering each and every line he states like in his famous soliloquy. Beowulf is a fearless leader; “I’ve never known fear, as a youth I fought in endless battles. I am old, now, bit I will fight again, seek fame still, if the dragon hiding in his tower dares to face me.” A line like this would never sputter out from Hamlet’s mouth; they are much too dissimilar in terms to behavior, emotion and action.
“…And boasting of how brave we’d be when Beowulf needed us, he who gave is these swords and armor: all of us swore to repay him.” What a line—no character in Hamlet would dare to say something so intrepid such as this line in Beowulf. It’s not part of Hamlet’s nature to be so loved and adored by his fellow lover and “friends” and family. Askew from Hamlet, nobody would even say this to King Claudius, let alone any other male characters in the play. Of course anyone in the story could say these things but the stress lies in the words themselves.
Hamlet fights with his intellectual mind more than anything, he doesn’t physically fight except the time him and Laertes played with swords. Beowulf is all about the “action” and typical heroism that is usually followed by a happy ending—yuck. A tale of great misfortune is more compelling. Anyway, Hamlet was a man of delicate intricacies and controversial but philosophical mind. Beowulf on the other hand was not much of an outstanding character because not much can differentiate him from heroes from other stories and epics. “…That I ever I was born to set it right! Nay, come, let’s go together.”
