no matter how noble our intentions, it is our hamartia that writes the final act.

A.C. Bradley's Analysis

In Shakespearean Tragedy (1904), A.C. Bradley outlines his interpretation of Hamlet’s tragic flaw. Bradley argues that Hamlet’s primary flaw is his indecision or procrastination, which prevents him from taking decisive action to avenge his father’s murder. Bradley’s view is shaped by his broader interpretation of Shakespearean tragedies, where the hero’s personal flaws lead to their downfall.

Bradley’s Key Points

1. Intellectualism and Overthinking: Bradley identifies Hamlet’s intellectualism and philosophical depth as central to his tragic flaw. Hamlet’s soliloquies reveal his profound reflection on existential questions, morality, and the nature of revenge. This intellectualism, according to Bradley, leads to a paralysis of action. For instance, in his famous "To be or not to be" soliloquy (A3S1), Hamlet debates the nature of existence and the moral implications of his actions:

   "To be, or not to be: that is the question: Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, Or to take arms against a sea of troubles And by opposing end them."

   Bradley argues that Hamlet’s philosophical musings are indicative of his reluctance to act. His preoccupation with abstract questions impedes his ability to act on his concrete goal of avenging his father’s death.

2. Moral and Ethical Concerns: Hamlet’s moral and ethical concerns further contribute to his hesitation. Bradley notes that Hamlet’s sense of morality complicates his desire for revenge. For instance, Hamlet expresses doubts about the righteousness of killing Claudius, who is praying in Act 3, Scene 3:

   "Now might I do it pat, now he is praying; And now I'll do't. And so he goes to heaven; And so am I revenged. That would be scanned: A villain kills my father; and for that, I, his sole son, do this same villain send To heaven."

   Hamlet fears that killing Claudius in prayer might send him to heaven, thus not fully avenging his father’s murder. This moral dilemma showcases Bradley’s view of Hamlet’s flaw—his overemphasis on ethical considerations paralyzes him.

3. Self-Doubt and Emotional Turmoil: Bradley also highlights Hamlet’s self-doubt and emotional turmoil as aspects of his fatal flaw. Hamlet’s erratic behavior and oscillation between action and inaction contribute to the sense of indecision. His relationship with Ophelia is a key example. In A3S1, Hamlet’s ambiguous remarks to Ophelia demonstrate his internal conflict:

   "I loved you not."

   This line, along with his earlier declarations of love, reflects Hamlet’s confusion and emotional instability. Bradley argues that this turmoil exacerbates his inability to act decisively.

Textual Evidence and Analysis

Bradley’s interpretation is supported by various passages in the text where Hamlet’s hesitation and philosophical reflections become apparent. For instance:

• The ghost of King Hamlet reveals the truth about his murder, urfging Hamlet to avenge him. Hamlet swears to remember and act upon this revelation, but his subsequent actions are marked by hesitation and inaction.
• Hamlet’s "play within the play" is an attempt to confirm Claudius’s guilt. While this scene demonstrates Hamlet’s cleverness and strategic thinking, it also highlights his procrastination. Bradley views this as further evidence of Hamlet’s inability to act swiftly.
• The climax of the play, where Hamlet finally takes action, is marred by the collateral damage of his delay. Hamlet’s ultimate resolution comes too late to prevent the tragic outcome, reinforcing Bradley’s argument about the consequences of his fatal flaw.

Conclusion

A.C. Bradley’s analysis of Hamlet’s fatal flaw centers on the notion of indecision and procrastination, deeply intertwined with Hamlet’s philosophical nature and moral concerns. Bradley’s interpretation emphasizes how Hamlet’s intellectualism and emotional turmoil contribute to his inability to act decisively, leading to his tragic downfall.

Bradley’s work remains influential, though modern interpretations of Hamlet often provide additional layers of complexity, exploring the nuances of Hamlet’s character beyond the scope of indecision alone.