POST 26: Why Hamlet is more a modern hero than an ancient, epic hero

Dictionary.com defines a hero as someone who is noted for courageous acts or nobility of character: I do believe that Hamlet is more of a modern hero than an ancient epic hero. When we think about Ancient epic heroes such as Gilgamesh, Hercules, Achilles and many others who might have had extraordinary super powers or even just very exemplary warriors. Unlike these characters Hamlet is just a Prince looking to avenge his fathers death. Unlike the Ancient Epic heroes, Hamlet behaves in the same manner many of us act today. Prior to him finding out from his fathers ghost that his uncle  Claudius killed him, Hamlet has the same type of relationship we see today with most children in families where a separation has happened. For example, though his uncle is now King and married to his mother. Hamlet shows his dissatisfaction with how quickly after his death their union happened and makes this known by saying : 

"...That grows to seed; things rank and gross in naturePossess it merely. That it should come to this!But two months dead!—nay, not so much, not two: 330So excellent a king; that was, to this,Hyperion to a satyr; so loving to my mother,That he might not beteem the winds of heavenVisit her face too roughly. Heaven and earth!Must I remember? Why, she would hang on him 335As if increase of appetite had grown..." (80)

Above all, the main thing that makes Hamlet a modern day hero, is the question that the protagonist poses throughout the entire story " To be or not to be"(119) In Hamlets famous Soliloquy he opens about about his suicidal thoughts and on whether he should live or die.   Suicide is a major theme in Hamlet from the very Beginning with Ophelia’s suicide and ending with Hamlet’s at the very end of the play, suicide is a continuing action. The whole play is one giant decision for Hamlet on whether or not he should commit suicide. Today this is still an issue many people still have to deal with. From the outside we can't tell what someone is thinking inside. This makes Hamlet a modern hero.