The Truth Behind the Unfinished and Unexpected: Hamlet as Shakespeare's Tragedy

The assertion that Shakespeare's Hamlet might be unfinished or instead might have been intended as a comedy has gained popularity in some quarters. However, these suggestions are more based on imaginative thinking rather than solid evidence. Let's explore why many scholars and critics find such interpretations improbable.

Unfinished Work

Some scholars have suggested that certain elements of Hamlet might indicate an unfinished work. However, upon closer examination, there is little to support this claim. One frequently cited argument is that the play lacks closure in some parts, suggesting that it was not completed. This is largely a stretch, as even well-known and widely accepted plays have moments of ambiguity and incomplete narrative arcs. For instance, The Tempest also ends with some unresolved questions, yet it is not considered unfinished.

Comedic Elements

Another line of argument is that Hamlet contains too many comedic elements to be a tragedy, suggesting that its nature should be reevaluated. While it is true that Hamlet does include some lighter moments, particularly the gravediggers' scene and the play-within-a-play, these elements serve a purpose within the tragic framework. They provide comic relief and deeper insights into the characters' psyches, rather than fundamentally changing the play's genre. A comedy, traditionally, is defined by the conclusion of the main characters achieving a happy resolution, often characterized by their marriage. The Merchant of Venice, for example, famously includes a joyful conclusion, yet it remains a comedy, not because of the happy ending but because the humor stems from the resolution of the main conflict.

Variations in Texts

The existence of multiple versions of Hamlet has also sparked debates about its authenticity and completeness. Early printed versions of the play differed in some details, leading some to question whether it was ever fully launched or if the work evolved over time. However, this doesn't necessarily mean the play was unfinished. Rather, it reflects the nature of authorship and textual transmission in the early modern era. Many plays were collaborative efforts, and revisions by different hands were common. The variations among the texts can be explained by different stage adaptations and textual editing processes, rather than a lack of completion.

Reevaluating the Nature of Tragedy

In the concluding summary, while interpretations and analyses of Hamlet can vary widely, the play's recognized status as a tragedy is well-supported by its thematic elements, structure, and the resolution of the main characters. The grim tragedy of Hamlet’s ultimate fate and the numerous deaths throughout the play firmly establish it as a work of profound tragedy, not comedy. The modern perception of comedy as humor-focused often differs from the Renaissance understanding of the genre, where a work could still be classified as a comedy despite moments of dark humor or tragedy.

Conclusion

Given the overwhelming evidence and scholarly consensus, it is highly improbable that Hamlet was intended as a comedy or remains unfinished. The violence, the tragic events, and the dramatic narrative arc all support its classification as a profound and masterful tragedy. It is indeed a remarkable and complex work, reflecting the full range of human emotions and experiences, making it a cornerstone of English literature.