The psychology of Hamlet : read at the meeting of the Psychological Society of Great Britain, May 1, 1879 / by Mr. Serjeant Cox.
- Edward William Cox
- Date:
- [1878]
Licence: Public Domain Mark
Credit: The psychology of Hamlet : read at the meeting of the Psychological Society of Great Britain, May 1, 1879 / by Mr. Serjeant Cox. Source: Wellcome Collection.
Provider: This material has been provided by The Royal College of Surgeons of England. The original may be consulted at The Royal College of Surgeons of England.
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![wlio act without preliminary thought. This characteristic is not, as commonly supposed, a form of cowardice. The irresolution that paralyses action is not the product of fear. The judgment sees so much to attract or to warn, as the case may be, that it is unable to come to a decision and pro- nounce a verdict. Even when resolved to take action, such potent objections present themselves that the mental energies are distracted. The will to do is not put forth, as with the inconsiderate — who accept at once an absolute assurance that the course resolved upon is the right one. This characteristic of the young Prince of Denmark is exhibited throughout the drama. He begins by accepting the Grhost as the true spirit of his father, and at the moment, in the passion of the revelation, he promises to avenge the crime. But he soon begins to reflect, to reason, and then to question the truth of the manifestation. As his thoughts dwell upon it, he discovers all kinds of l’easons why he might be mistaken. The spirit that I have see'- May be the devil, and the devil hath power To assume a pleasing shape; yea, and perhaps Out of my weakness and my melancholy, As he is very potent with such spirits, Allures me but to damn me. Have we not often witnessed the same process among ourselves in relation to other phenomena ? Hamlet is affectionate and fond. He dearly loved his father; he must have been a loving son to his mother until her unnatural marriage revolted him. His friendship for Horatio was firm and enduring. He loved. Ophelia with the passion of his youth until the ghostly revelation froze the life-blood in his veins and stifled all better feelings in an absorbing thirst for vengeance. Throughout we can see his love struggling fiercely with his over-mastering passion for [2C7]](https://iiif.wellcomecollection.org/image/b22443988_0007.jp2/full/800%2C/0/default.jpg)
