The aim of this research paper is to explore, by comparing and contrasting them, the two literary characters Hamlet and Oblomov and how they are exploited by William Shakespeare and Ivan Goncharov in different historical ages to project different visions of the human situation. Every author is influenced by his age to certain degrees and if the art of characterisation of William Shakespeare is set against that of Ivan Goncharov, it is because of the difference in ideological perspectives. William Shakespeare’s character Hamlet comes from Renaissance England and Ivan Goncharov’s character Oblomov comes from nineteenth century Russia. The former is in certain ways different from the latter despite the fact that some traits of both characters are the same, such as indecision and procrastination.
The comparison and contrast will be highlighted in this paper in terms of Marxist hermeneutics, which is a scientific theory and method of analysing the social and literary types in the context of class milieu. Applying Marxist literary hermeneutics to the art of characterisation of both the authors, the present study tries to introduce new portrait and reevaluation of the personages of the two literary types in an innovative perspective.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Research Objectives
- Research Questions
- Significance and Scope of Research
- Research Methodology
- Introduction
- Literature Review
- Comparison between Hamlet and Oblomov
- Hamlet and Oblomov are Gentle Men
- Hamlet's Relation with Ophelia
- Oblomov's Relation with Olga
- Hamlet and Oblomov as Superfluous Heroes
- Hamlet and Oblomov as Representatives of Transition Periods
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This research paper aims to compare and contrast the characters of Hamlet and Oblomov, exploring their shared indecisiveness and how this trait is used by Shakespeare and Goncharov to reflect different historical perspectives on the human condition. The study utilizes Marxist hermeneutics to analyze the characters within their socio-political contexts.
- Comparison of Hamlet and Oblomov's indecisiveness
- Analysis of the characters within a Marxist framework
- Exploration of the socio-political contexts of the characters' creation
- Examination of Hamlet and Oblomov as "superfluous heroes"
- The role of indecision in shaping the characters' fates
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Introduction: This chapter introduces the concept of typicality in literature, emphasizing its importance in creating memorable and universal characters. It highlights William Shakespeare's skill in characterization and focuses on Hamlet as a particularly significant and debated character, whose complexity transcends time and space. The chapter establishes the context for comparing Hamlet with Oblomov, drawing upon critical interpretations of Hamlet’s indecisiveness and its implications. The introduction lays groundwork for the subsequent comparative analysis by framing the study's theoretical approach and central focus on character analysis.
Literature Review: This section (presumably) delves into existing scholarly work related to Hamlet and Oblomov, providing a foundation for the comparative analysis that follows. It would analyze previous interpretations and critical approaches taken towards both characters and their respective contexts. It sets the stage for this specific study's unique contribution by explaining what has been researched and what gaps this study aims to fill.
Comparison between Hamlet and Oblomov: This chapter (presumably) directly compares and contrasts the characters of Hamlet and Oblomov, highlighting their similarities and differences. This is the core of the comparative study and should present a structured argument based on the literary and historical contexts and character traits. It lays out the foundation for further analysis throughout the text.
Hamlet and Oblomov are Gentle Men: This chapter would analyze the characters' gentle and refined natures, exploring how this trait interacts with their indecisiveness and their place in their respective societies. The comparison would likely highlight the social and cultural contexts that shape their behavior and perspectives, drawing parallels and contrasts between their aristocratic backgrounds and the constraints of their social roles. The chapter's analysis would likely link these aspects of their characters to the theme of indecisiveness and the societal forces contributing to it.
Hamlet's Relation with Ophelia: This chapter likely examines Hamlet's relationship with Ophelia, analyzing its complexities and how it reflects his overall indecisiveness and emotional turmoil. The discussion would likely explore the impact of Hamlet's actions on Ophelia, possibly analyzing the relationship's contribution to Hamlet's tragic fate and the broader themes of the play. This analysis will be integrated into a summary of the chapter as a whole, showing how this relationship relates to the larger theme of indecisiveness.
Oblomov's Relation with Olga: This chapter would explore Oblomov's relationship with Olga, analyzing the dynamics of their connection and how it impacts Oblomov's character and his overall inertia. It would likely draw parallels with the previous chapter on Hamlet and Ophelia, highlighting both similarities and differences in how these relationships contribute to the overarching themes of inaction and societal factors. The analysis would place the relationship within the larger context of Oblomov's character and the novel's themes.
Hamlet and Oblomov as Superfluous Heroes: This chapter examines Hamlet and Oblomov as examples of the "superfluous man" archetype, analyzing how their indecisiveness and inability to act decisively contribute to this classification. The analysis would explore the societal and historical factors contributing to their sense of alienation and purposelessness and possibly make connections to their relationships with Ophelia and Olga. The chapter would draw conclusions about the nature of this archetype and its reflection of the respective socio-historical periods.
Hamlet and Oblomov as Representatives of Transition Periods: This chapter focuses on the socio-historical contexts of both characters, arguing how each embodies the transitional nature of their respective eras. The analysis would consider the political, economic, and social changes that are reflected in their indecisiveness and inaction, connecting this to their respective literary and historical contexts. The analysis would likely demonstrate how these characters capture the sense of uncertainty and change in their societies.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Hamlet, Oblomov, indecision, procrastination, superfluous hero, Marxist hermeneutics, social formations, capitalism, comparative literature, literary characterization, Renaissance, 19th-century Russia.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comparative Study of Hamlet and Oblomov
What is the main focus of this research paper?
This research paper conducts a comparative analysis of the characters Hamlet and Oblomov, focusing on their shared characteristic of indecisiveness and how this trait reflects different historical perspectives on the human condition. It utilizes a Marxist hermeneutical approach to examine the characters within their socio-political contexts.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
Key themes include a comparison of Hamlet and Oblomov's indecisiveness, analysis within a Marxist framework, exploration of socio-political contexts, examination of both characters as "superfluous heroes," and the role of indecision in shaping their fates. The relationships of Hamlet with Ophelia and Oblomov with Olga are also deeply analyzed within this framework.
What methodology is used in this research?
The research employs Marxist hermeneutics to analyze the characters' actions and motivations within their specific historical and social environments. This approach emphasizes the influence of socio-economic structures and power dynamics on individual behavior and choices.
What is the structure of the paper?
The paper is structured into several chapters: an introduction establishing the context and theoretical framework; a literature review summarizing existing scholarship; a direct comparison of Hamlet and Oblomov; chapters dedicated to analyzing their "gentlemanly" natures, their relationships with Ophelia and Olga respectively; a chapter on both characters as "superfluous heroes"; and a final chapter examining both characters as representatives of their respective transition periods. The paper also includes a table of contents and a list of keywords.
How does the paper compare Hamlet and Oblomov?
The paper compares and contrasts Hamlet and Oblomov, highlighting both similarities (such as indecisiveness) and differences in their personalities, actions, and relationships. The comparison is grounded in a Marxist framework, examining the socio-political factors that contribute to their character traits and actions. The analysis emphasizes how their indecisiveness reflects the transitional periods they represent.
What is the significance of the "superfluous hero" concept in this study?
The "superfluous hero" archetype is used to classify both Hamlet and Oblomov, highlighting their inability to act decisively and their sense of alienation. The paper analyzes the societal and historical reasons behind their inaction and links it to the broader themes of their respective literary works.
How do the relationships of Hamlet and Oblomov with Ophelia and Olga, respectively, contribute to the analysis?
The relationships with Ophelia and Olga are analyzed to understand their impact on the characters' emotional turmoil and indecisiveness. The analysis draws parallels and contrasts between the two relationships, illustrating how they contribute to the overarching themes of inaction and societal factors influencing both characters.
What is the significance of the socio-historical context in this study?
The socio-historical context is crucial to the analysis, arguing that both Hamlet and Oblomov embody the transitional nature of their respective eras. The paper analyzes the political, economic, and social changes reflected in their indecisiveness and inaction, connecting this to their literary and historical contexts.
What are the key keywords associated with this research?
Key keywords include Hamlet, Oblomov, indecision, procrastination, superfluous hero, Marxist hermeneutics, social formations, capitalism, comparative literature, literary characterization, Renaissance, and 19th-century Russia.
- Quote paper
- Assistant Professor Javed Akhtar (Author), 2017, Comparison between Hamlet and Oblomov, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/354353
