Hamlet vs. Other Epic Heroes.

There are many different types of epic heroes throughout literature. Many as we know are the type that are brave and have so much self-confidence, but Hamlet is a different type of epic hero. Hamlet’s use of language is what differentiates himself from other types of epic heroes. It differentiates him by giving characteristics of being indecisive, showing lack of confidence, and show his own “self-overhearing.”

A good comparison of epic heroes is Hamlet and Beowulf. In the play Beowulf, Beowulf is a character of confidence and goes through with his plans. He says he will defeat the monsters and protect the people, which is what he does. Hamlet on the other hand is the exact opposite. Hamlet’s language in his soliloquy “To be or not to be,” shows how indecisive he is. He keeps going back and forth in his decisions he is trying to make. Once he figures out what to do he does not know how to go through with his plan. For example, his want in killing his uncle, but unsure of when and how.

Another way in which Hamlet is different from other epic heroes such as Beowulf is that Hamlet shows his “self-overhearing.” Not many other epic heroes explain what they are thinking. In the play Hamlet, this is a major concept. By Hamlet explaining his thoughts and seeing how he feels, the audience can see how much Hamlet thinks about his own thoughts and showing how him being so indecisive is affecting him. A great example of this is when he is about to kill his uncle, but notices that he is praying and thinks his uncle will go to Heaven if he kills him at that time. This shows how deep in thought Hamlet goes.

In conclusion, Hamlet’s use of language is a great way in determining the different qualities he has compared to other epic heroes. From his “To be or not to be” soliloquy and his plan on getting revenge, we can see how Hamlets character is indecisive, how he has lack of confidence, and his “self-overhearing.”