Hamlet the Masochist

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Masochism is defined as one achieving gratification from their suffering. People suffering from emotional masochism tend to run from happy relationships, end friendships quickly and hold on to painful feelings. It is no secret that Hamlet is suffering, one can find examples of his internal crises through his numerous soliloquies in the play including: “Oh, what a rogue and peasant slave am I!” and the famous “To Be Or Not To Be”. In these soliloquies, he chastises himself for his inability to be moved to action to avenge his father, as well as asking the question of whether it is nobler to live in suffering or to simply end needless agony. Throughout the book, especially during moments such as Claudius’ prayer scene, readers are confused by Hamlet’s insistence on continuing to suffer. There are numerous moments in the book where he seemingly hits rock bottom and considers suicide, but in his emotional frenzies, he is never drawn to ending his suffering. The reason, of course, is that Hamlet is a masochist. Deep down Hamlet knows that to end his suffering would mean ending the means to which he can wallow in his pain. Besides fitting the aforementioned characteristics to a tee, readers are introduced to a Hamlet who dressed in all black to show others how much he is suffering. After the “To Be Or Not To Be” soliloquy Hamlet chooses to live, thereby choosing to be noble. One could ascertain that as a means to feel powerful in his seemingly powerless world he endures his suffering to feel in control. The only reason Hamlet chooses to finally put an end to his suffering, in true masochistic fashion, is because he isn’t having fun anymore. Hamlet is only drawn to action after his mother falls to the same beast to which his father sent him to destroy, there is no pleasure to be gained from that torment.   ​