The Inter-generational Conflict in Hamlet by Shakespeare

Generational Conflicts in Shakespeare’s Hamlet

Conflict is a major theme in Shakespeare’s play Hamlet. Inter-generational conflicts are common in parent-child relationships and are represented by succession politics, which result in the deaths of both generations (SeokJu 234). The play depicts the age divide between the older and younger generations. The older generation forces its beliefs and expectations on the younger generation, resulting in physical and psychological conflict. Both parents and children suffer from dysfunctional relationships in the play. The older generation is domineering, resulting in tension and character discomfort. Besides, Shakespeare uses this captivating form of struggle to outline the efforts of the younger generation in mending broken values and breaking free from tradition. This essay discusses these generational conflicts and the struggles of the younger generation in creating a new culture.

The Beginning of Inter-Generational Discord

The play begins with Claudius killing Hamlet’s father. In return, Hamlet, seeks revenge, resulting in inter-generation discord. Claudius’s act is an indirect attack as he does not confront Hamlet but uses his kin to turn against him. Thus, Claudius turns an inter-generational war into a means of protecting his throne. The familiarity between Hamlet and the young generation helps to protect him. Claudius also tries to calm his nephew’s rage as he mourns the death of his father. He smoothly refers to him as a son, going further to offer advice on the proper way of mourning (Shakespeare & Hoy 60). The fatherly reaction by Claudius raises suspicions. Hamlet is cautious while relating with his uncle and knows that Claudius is on a mission to destroy his family. The two have different expectations of each other, most of which remain unfulfilled. Consequently, conflict arises and causes tragedies like death. The two generations lose touch as each fights to protect its needs.

Individual Struggles of the Younger Generation

The conflict between the two generations draws attention to individual struggles of the younger generation. Shakespeare relies on the theme of conflict to tell the story of the Polonius house. The Polonius family relationship depicts the efforts of the younger generation to break free from the suffocating values imposed by the older generation. Ophelia is bossed and intimidated by her father, feeling obliged to obey his commands. Her elder brother, Laertes, warns her of her close friendship with Hamlet. Her father, who overhears the conversation, warns her of getting close to Hamlet. He says, “Tender yourself more dearly or not you will tender me a fool.” (Shakespeare & Hoy 107-109). This warning shows the concern of the father from his throne, and she responds, “I shall obey, my Lord.” (Shakespeare & Hoy 116). Besides, Ophelia is intimidated into depending on her father for decision-making. Her struggles with her views drive her mad, and she breaks from this tradition of blind obedience when she eventually commits suicide. On the other hand, Polonius’s relationship with his son elicits a similar struggle of a younger generation breaking free from the older generation’s values and morals. The father’s desire for dominion equally overshadows his son’s needs. The parasitic relationship between father and son worsens each day till Polonius’s death.

Intergenerational Conflict of Morals

There exists an intergenerational conflict of morals, with the younger generation struggling to mend the mistakes of the older generation. Hamlet loathes Claudius marriage to his mother, Gertrude, and he shows his distress in the marriage by struggling to maintain a close relationship with his mother. His mother’s choice of marriage reflects on his criticism of women. The union drives the desire to kill his uncle (Shakespeare & Hoy 121). Despite his hatred for his mother, Hamlet wants her happy and shows deep care for her whenever he can (Obrien 23). When she eventually passes on, Hamlet is devastated and reminisces about the times they spent together. Besides, Hamlet’s relationship with his father was close, with no signs of conflict. He looks upon his father’s ghost for guidance, and the respect he shows to the ghost reflects his desire to recreate his father’s values. The ghost raises a sense of anger in Hamlet, and he contemplates killing Claudius. Hamlet questions his father’s intention, and he abandons the plan. Unlike the older generation’s readiness to kill for power, like Claudius, who willingly destroyed a fellow human being, Hamlet questions his morals of taking a life.

Struggles in Recreating Values

The play presents struggles of the younger generation in recreating the values of the older generation. The young are motivated by revenge, while the old desire to maintain a status quo. Shakespeare uses this conflict to express the efforts of both generations in utilizing different skills to influence or oppose change. Claudius and Hamlet begin the inter-generational conflict. There are also internal moral struggles within Hamlet where he starts with the desire to seek revenge for his father’s death and later struggles with the act of committing murder (O’Brien 147). Besides, the older generation embraces incestuous marriages. Hamlet detests his uncle for marrying his mother, a decision which propels more hatred for Claudius by women. Polonius’s children, Ophelia and Laertes, each struggle to break from tradition, the domineering character of their father.

Works Cited

O’Brien, Peggy. Teaching Hamlet And Henry IV, Part 1: Shakespeare Set Free, Part 1. New York, Washington Square Press, 2006.

SeokJu, Kang. “Hamlet: Divided Desire And The Politics Of Revenge.” Shakespeare Review, vol 47, no. 2, 2011, pp. 225-251. The Shakespeare Association Of Korea, doi:10.17009/shakes.2011.47.2.001.

Shakespeare, William, and Cyrus Hoy. Hamlet. New York, W.W. Norton, 1996.