Hamlet New Morality Theory

Hamlet, The Greater Being

Hamlet believes in the idea of a New Morality, viewing himself as a greater being then the common man, a literal Superhuman, with more value to the universe than anyone else. New morality can be defined as the theory that all people are entitled to rewrite their morality. There is no clear definition of what is right and what is wrong. Moral standards are decided upon by the individual. In Shakespeare's Hamlet, the play’s main protagonist believes in the idea of this new morality, attempting to manipulate what morality means for himself and society. 

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Hamlet has the mentality that he is a greater being than the rest of society. He can “ascend” beyond mere human existence, writing his morality and forming his truths. He simply acts as if he is better or more important to the universe than anyone else. This is demonstrated in witty remarks or intellectual lashes directed to his “inferior minded” foes. After the new King Claudius refers to Hamlet as his ‘son,’ Hamlet states, "A little more than kin, and less than kind"(1.2.65). Hamlet frequently makes rude and ill-mannered commons, speaking to them as if they cannot reach his great level of being. His ego clouds his thinking, convincing him not to murder Claudius at this crucial moment, thus, leading him to a tragic demise.

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Hamlet believes that he is simply better than the common man; he has no interest in petty desires associated with everyday society. This includes the Revenge Cycle, the idea of getting back at an enemy for disgracing you, in a similar fashion. Claudius murdered Hamlet's father so Hamlet must murder Claudius. This simple understanding and taboo of society were typical and expected in the case of Hamlet. However, the Great Hamlet cannot stoop to such low levels, be associated with the desires and intentions of the common man. If placed in Hamlet’s shoes, any other character would have murdered Claudius when given the chance, but not the Great Prince of Denmark. No. He’s too good for revenge. He doesn’t waste his time with the idea. Hamlet rises above this, proving his superiority. The idea of a New Morality does not fall victim to trivial ideas like revenge or honor. Nonetheless, Hamlet is still human, and whether or not he admits it, he falls victim to society's ordeals and ideas. Not taking Claudius’ life in this crucial scene ignites the continuous list of tragedies that remain in the play.

The Prince of Denmark does not view himself as a man. He is much more. Hamlet lives his life dismissing typical conventions of society, with the idea that he is better than them. He is better than the common man, better than society better than any being to walk the planet. He does not waste time with taboos like revenge or justice or vengeance. He perceives anyone that conforms to normal society traditions and ideas as an idiotic animal that hasn't yet evolved to his standards. Hamlet casts aside the morality of his times, attempting to rewrite it. And where does that leave him? With the blood of five murders, including his mother and lover. No one has the capacity to rewrite morality, for when they do, nothing but pain and suffering arises.