Question

hamlet and humanism
name(s):
quotation #24 (3.3.73-96)
hamlet
now might i do it pat, now he is praying;
and now ill dot. and so he goes to heaven;
and so am i revenged. that would be scannd:
a villain kills my father; and for that,
i, his sole son, do this same villain send
to heaven.
o, this is hire and salary, not revenge.
he took my father grossly, full of bread;
with all his crimes broad blown, as flush as may;
and how his audit stands who knows save heaven?
but in our circumstance and course of thought,
tis heavy with him: and am i then revenged,
to take him in the purging of his soul,
when he is fit and seasond for his passage?
no!
up, sword; and know thou a more horrid hent:
when he is drunk asleep, or in his rage,
or in the incestuous pleasure of his bed;
at gaming, swearing, or about some act
that has no relish of salvation int;
then trip him, that his heels may kick at heaven,
and that his soul may be as damnd and black
as hell, whereto it goes.
summary of what’s happening in the excerpt:
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check the appropriate statement:
___ this excerpt supports the humanist ideals.
___ this excerpt conflicts with the humanist ideals.
this excerpt ______________ these humanist ideals:
supports/conflicts with
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Explanation:

Summary of what’s happening in the excerpt:

Hamlet finds Claudius praying. He considers killing him then but decides against it, as he thinks Claudius would go to heaven if killed while praying. Hamlet wants to avenge his father's death in a way that ensures Claudius's soul is damned, so he resolves to wait for a time when Claudius is engaged in sinful acts (like being drunk, angry, or in the midst of incestuous pleasure) to kill him.

Check the appropriate statement:

• This excerpt conflicts with the humanist ideals.

This excerpt conflicts with these humanist ideals:

Humanism emphasizes the value and agency of human beings, often promoting rationality, moral growth, and the dignity of the individual. Hamlet's plot to ensure Claudius's soul is damned shows a focus on damnation and revenge in a way that goes against the humanist focus on human potential for good, moral reasoning based on human dignity, and a more rational or ethical approach to justice (rather than seeking eternal damnation for an enemy). His decision is driven by a desire to manipulate Claudius's afterlife, which is more in line with a pre - humanist, religiously dogmatic view of punishment rather than humanist ideals of justice, mercy, or human - centered moral judgment.

Answer:

Summary of what’s happening in the excerpt:

Hamlet finds Claudius praying. He considers killing him then but decides against it, as he thinks Claudius would go to heaven if killed while praying. Hamlet wants to avenge his father's death in a way that ensures Claudius's soul is damned, so he resolves to wait for a time when Claudius is engaged in sinful acts (like being drunk, angry, or in the midst of incestuous pleasure) to kill him.

Check the appropriate statement:

• This excerpt conflicts with the humanist ideals.

This excerpt conflicts with these humanist ideals:

Humanism emphasizes the value and agency of human beings, often promoting rationality, moral growth, and the dignity of the individual. Hamlet's plot to ensure Claudius's soul is damned shows a focus on damnation and revenge in a way that goes against the humanist focus on human potential for good, moral reasoning based on human dignity, and a more rational or ethical approach to justice (rather than seeking eternal damnation for an enemy). His decision is driven by a desire to manipulate Claudius's afterlife, which is more in line with a pre - humanist, religiously dogmatic view of punishment rather than humanist ideals of justice, mercy, or human - centered moral judgment.