Hamlet’s Moral Double Bind
Department
Physics
Major
Physics
Research Advisor
Drowne, Kathleen Morgan
Advisor's Department
English and Technical Communication
Abstract
The play Hamlet is often used by psychologists to study the character Hamlet as they would study a patient in order to increase their understanding of people similarly disturbed. This makes the interpretation of the nature and causes of Hamlet’s erratic behavior scientifically important. Through an understanding of the context of Hamlet’s actions and a consideration of the entire play, it can be seen that Hamlet is a good example of a person suffering from trauma and from a double bind. It also becomes clear that Hamlet is not someone with an Oedipal complex and should not be used as a model for how this disorder can occur.
Biography
Anna Sakach is a freshman at Missouri University of Science and Technology. Her current major is physics, but her interest in English led her to peruse a research project in the humanities. She is also involved in Student Counsel and the Newman Center.
Research Category
Arts and Humanities
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Document Type
Presentation
Award
Arts and humanities oral presentation, Second place
Location
Ozark Room
Presentation Date
16 Apr 2014, 9:00 am - 9:30 am
Hamlet’s Moral Double Bind
Ozark Room
The play Hamlet is often used by psychologists to study the character Hamlet as they would study a patient in order to increase their understanding of people similarly disturbed. This makes the interpretation of the nature and causes of Hamlet’s erratic behavior scientifically important. Through an understanding of the context of Hamlet’s actions and a consideration of the entire play, it can be seen that Hamlet is a good example of a person suffering from trauma and from a double bind. It also becomes clear that Hamlet is not someone with an Oedipal complex and should not be used as a model for how this disorder can occur.
