Question

Some critics argue that Hamlet is a problem play; others argue that it is a tragedy. Explain the differences between a problem play and a tragedy. Identify the characteristics of Hamlet that are typical of a problem play and those that are typical of a tragedy. Then decide which you believe it is and explain why. Your answer should be at least 250 words.

Answer 1

A tragedy in the original sense is a play where we have a great and noble character whose downfall occurs due to a mistake that is a part of the character and this is where the tragedy occurs. It is about great men who who have a problem which leads to their death ultimately as opposed to comedies where a resolution of the problem happens in the end in a comic way, but the characters are usually commoners or highly immoral people.

A problem play is a play in which a common social issue is being examined through different character who represent different values and conflicting views on life. It became common in the 19th century due to Henrik Ibsen, but many critics noted that Shakespeare who wrote long before that time had many aspects of problem plays in his works.

The characteristics of Hamlet that are a part of a tragedy is the fact that he is a noble young man from a great family who wants to solve the problem presented which is the death of his father and bring things to justice. He however has a tragic flaw that leads to his downfall. The part of Hamlet that can be seen as a problem play is that all characters have different perceptions of what is happening and what needs to happen and when and these conflicting opinions ultimately lead to a tragic ending. 

You could say that you believe it is more in the realm of  tragedy than that of a problem play because it is structured more as a tragedy of old times because of the way that Hamlet is represented and the way he behaves and ultimately the way it ends which is designed to provide catharsis to the viewers.