The present paper endeavours to give an in depth para-psychological reading of William Shakespeare’s classic play ‘Hamlet, Prince Of Denmark’. Two distinguished terminologies, “interoception” and “exteroception” are introduced and taken into consideration, while examining the central character, Prince Hamlet. Previous theories and critical observations are also analysed for a proper assessment of the play. Besides, it is also shown how a careful para-psychological reading can provide an antidote to all previous critical excesses. Critics have often looked upon the play as a potential “Pandora’s box of troubles” interpreting it in a distinctive variety of spectrums. However, the following research shall show how the play is Shakespeare’s systematic study and a tribute to the superior intellect of man.
Table of Contents
1. Abstract
2. Introduction
3. Text
4. Conclusion
Research Objectives & Topics
The research aims to provide a novel para-psychological interpretation of William Shakespeare’s Hamlet by analyzing the interplay between internal and external perception, effectively countering previous critical views that label the play as merely problematic or contradictory.
- Application of the psychological concepts of interoception and exteroception to the character of Hamlet.
- Critical analysis and rebuttal of historical interpretations, including Freud’s Oedipus Complex, T.S. Eliot’s New Criticism approach, and Goethe’s sentimental view.
- Examination of the struggle between moral virtue and the necessity of action in a corrupt environment.
- Re-evaluation of Hamlet’s inaction as a conscious moral deliberation rather than a personal or psychological failure.
- Demonstration of Shakespeare’s systematic integration of human consciousness within the tragedy.
Excerpt from the Book
Text
To begin with, Dr. Sigmund Freud, the Father of Modern Psychology, once interpreted Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet’ as a case of “Oedipus Complex”. He fairly struck upon this phrase owing to the classified deductions made by him of his favourite play, ‘Oedipus Rex’ by Sophocles. In this play, the hero Oedipus killed his father and married his mother. His analysis of Hamlet was further taken up to another level by his follower, Ernest Jones, who characteristically claimed that Hamlet’s was a case of suppressed or repressed sexual desire and therefore, a resultant sraggling of action. According to Jones, Hamlet, the Prince of Denmark had a sexual desire towards his mother, manifest from his childhood. That he secretly desired for his mother and looked up to his father as a potential rival or an unwanted obstacle to that arrangement. That is why, he kept on whiling away his resolution to kill his uncle, for his uncle had commendably done what he (Hamlet) had wanted to do himself for the love of Gertrude. It is only at last, when Gertrude is accidentally killed that Hamlet kills his uncle Claudius fair and square, i.e. when the object of desire is taken away from him (Hamlet).
Summary of Chapters
Abstract: This section introduces the core thesis of using interoception and exteroception to examine Prince Hamlet, positioning the play as a systematic intellectual work rather than a mere collection of dramatic troubles.
Introduction: The author defines the key psychological terms and sets the stage for a critical review of existing scholarly interpretations of the tragedy.
Text: This main section critiques various historical interpretations—Freud, Eliot, Goethe, and Coleridge—and introduces the para-psychological perspective to redefine Hamlet’s struggle as a search for equilibrium between internal sensitivity and external action.
Conclusion: The author concludes by aligning with Keats’ concept of negative capability, affirming that Shakespeare’s genius lies in his ability to portray a complex, conscious hero who overcomes his moral struggle with dignity.
Keywords
para-psychological, Hamlet, interoception, exteroception, Shakespeare, psychology, Freud, Oedipus Complex, T.S. Eliot, Coleridge, Goethe, tragedy, virtue, negative capability, consciousness
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper provides a para-psychological reading of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, specifically analyzing the interaction between internal and external perceptions within the protagonist.
What are the primary thematic fields discussed?
The work covers Shakespearean tragedy, literary criticism, psychoanalytic theory, and the physiological concept of human sensitivity.
What is the primary research goal?
The goal is to demonstrate that Hamlet’s alleged weaknesses are actually signs of a strong, intelligent character attempting to balance internal conscience with external moral obligations.
Which scientific methodology is applied here?
The author uses a literary-analytical approach supplemented by a para-psychological framework, specifically utilizing the terms interoception and exteroception.
What topics are covered in the main body?
The main part of the text critiques the theories of Freud, Jones, T.S. Eliot, Goethe, and Coleridge, ultimately arguing that their interpretations are limited or flawed.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include para-psychological, interoception, exteroception, Hamlet, and negative capability.
How does the author define interoception and exteroception?
Interoception is defined as the sensitivity to conditions originating inside the body, while exteroception refers to sensitivity toward conditions originating outside the body.
Does the author agree with the "Oedipus Complex" reading of Hamlet?
No, the author rejects this theory as an anachronistic projection that overlooks the emotional and moral complexity of the character.
What is the author's argument regarding Hamlet's delay in action?
The author argues that Hamlet is not morally weak; rather, his delay is a conscious, virtuous struggle to re-establish legitimacy and justice without sacrificing his own moral integrity.
How does the author interpret the role of virtue in the play?
The author argues that Hamlet’s virtue is his guiding light, which protects him and leads him to ultimate victory over the corrupt environment of the Danish court.
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- Puja Chakraberty (Autor:in), 2014, William Shakespeare’s "Hamlet, Prince Of Denmark". A Para-Psychological Reading, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/278664
