In order to discuss this statement I would like to begin by having a brief look at
the age of Renaissance and pointing out some of its typical features. The Italian term
‘Renaissance’ refers to the rebirth of interest in the ideas of classical antiquity between
1450 and 1650 in Europe. The most important events during this time were the invention
of movable-block printing (1454), the discovery of the so called New World (1492), the
Reformation in Germany (1517) and England (1535) and finally the assertion of the
Copernican World System. These developments contributed to the revision of the old,
medieval picture of the world. They go together with a total social process embracing a
change in everyday life, every day ways of thinking, moral practices and ethical ideas.1
The concept of Renaissance is strongly connected with the idea of ‘Renaissance
humanism’. Renaissance men put themselves more in the centre of their considerations
than men in medieval times. According to Agnes Heller one “might better speak of the
cult of the ‘self-made’ man”2, which means that destiny was no longer considered to be
God-given, but more and more became an issue of what oneself had made of it. [...]
1 The facts are based on: Hollander, John and Frank Kermode. The Oxford Anthology of English
Literature: The Literature of Renaissance England. (London: Oxford University Press, 1973) pp. 3-10.
2 Heller, Agnes. Renaissance Man. (London: Routledge & Kegan Paul, 1978) p. 9
Table of Contents
1. Renaissance context and the "Renaissance man"
2. Hamlet and Faustus as Renaissance figures
3. Analysis of Dr. Faustus
4. Analysis of Hamlet
5. Comparison of self-exploration and self-deception
6. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Themes
The primary objective of this assignment is to analyze the contrasting psychological states of Hamlet and Dr. Faustus, examining the claim that while both engage in self-exploration, Hamlet is defined by self-deception, whereas Faustus is not. The paper explores how both characters exemplify the "Renaissance man" archetype through their individualism and ambition.
- The historical and philosophical context of the Renaissance period.
- Individualism and the concept of the "self-made man."
- The psychological motivations behind Hamlet's inaction and complex oedipal conflicts.
- Faustus's deliberate choice to pursue forbidden knowledge regardless of consequences.
- The tragic nature of personal responsibility and failure in both characters.
Excerpt from the Book
The concept of Renaissance and the "Renaissance man"
The concept of Renaissance is strongly connected with the idea of ‘Renaissance humanism’. Renaissance men put themselves more in the centre of their considerations than men in medieval times. According to Agnes Heller one “might better speak of the cult of the ‘self-made’ man”, which means that destiny was no longer considered to be God-given, but more and more became an issue of what oneself had made of it. Thus men started to choose their destiny by themselves and to be proud of what they have achieved.
Taking this as a starting point one can consider Hamlet as well as Dr Faustus as embodiment of the stereotype of the ‘Renaissance man’. Both are highly educated persons. They have even studied at the same university in Wittenberg. They both engage in self-exploration, because they are both solitary figures holding marginal places in society. They both dispute a lot with themselves, because they do not really have someone to talk with. Their soliloquies show their mental conflicts with which they try to cope.
Summary of Chapters
1. Renaissance context and the "Renaissance man": This chapter introduces the historical and cultural shift toward humanism, where the "self-made man" replaces divine providence as the center of destiny.
2. Hamlet and Faustus as Renaissance figures: This section establishes both characters as educated, solitary, and marginal individuals who represent the archetypal Renaissance man.
3. Analysis of Dr. Faustus: The analysis focuses on Faustus's relentless pursuit of forbidden knowledge and his conscious willingness to face the ultimate consequences of his pact.
4. Analysis of Hamlet: This part examines Hamlet's introversion and the theory that his hesitation and delayed revenge are rooted in his inability to face his own subconscious oedipal desires.
5. Comparison of self-exploration and self-deception: This section contrasts Faustus's honesty regarding his ambitions with Hamlet's self-deception, suggesting the latter is a consequence of suppressing his true feelings.
6. Conclusion: The paper concludes that both characters are tragic figures who ultimately bear responsibility for their own downfalls despite their different paths to failure.
Keywords
Renaissance, Humanism, Hamlet, Dr. Faustus, Self-exploration, Self-deception, Renaissance man, Soliloquy, Oedipal complex, Individualism, Forbidden knowledge, Tragedy, Wittenberg, Consciousness, Ambition
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core argument of this assignment?
The paper argues that while Hamlet and Faustus both engage in self-exploration as quintessential Renaissance men, Hamlet suffers from self-deception regarding his true motives, whereas Faustus confronts his desires directly.
What are the primary themes discussed?
The main themes include Renaissance humanism, the concept of the self-made man, the psychology of the protagonist, the nature of ambition, and the tragic consequences of individual choice.
What is the central research question?
The research explores the validity of the statement: “Hamlet engages in self-exploration, Faustus in self-deception,” by examining the mental conflicts and decision-making processes of both literary figures.
Which scientific approach is utilized?
The assignment employs a comparative literary analysis, relying on character study, textual evidence from the plays, and secondary historical and critical sources on Renaissance literature.
What does the main body of the text cover?
The body analyzes the cultural context of the Renaissance, compares the intellectual backgrounds of the protagonists, and examines specific scenes and soliloquies to interpret their psychological states.
What keywords characterize this work?
Keywords include Renaissance, Humanism, Hamlet, Faustus, Self-deception, Individualism, and Tragedy.
Why does the author claim Hamlet is guilty of self-deception?
The author suggests that Hamlet avoids admitting his oedipal feelings toward his mother, leading him to invent external excuses to justify his inability to take immediate revenge against Claudius.
In what way does Faustus contrast with Hamlet?
Unlike Hamlet, who indecisively broods over his conflicts, Faustus makes a conscious, informed decision to sign his soul to the devil to gain forbidden knowledge, fully accepting the resulting fate.
- Quote paper
- Hendrikje Schulze (Author), 2000, Hamlet engages in self-exploration, Faustus in self-deception, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/21603
