T.S. Eliot – Hamlet and His Problems: A Complete Critical Study for NET, GATE & College TRB Aspirants
Introduction to T.S. Eliot and Modern Criticism
T.S. Eliot is one of the most important critics of modern English literature. Moreover, he changed the way critics looked at poetry and drama. Among his famous critical essays, “Hamlet and His Problems” (1919) holds a special place. In this essay, Eliot gives a fresh and bold interpretation of Shakespeare’s Hamlet.
At Elite Academy, this topic is taught in a clear and exam-oriented manner, especially for NET, GATE, College TRB students. Therefore, understanding this essay is essential for scoring well in literature examinations.
Background of “Hamlet and His Problems”
Firstly, “Hamlet and His Problems” was published in The Sacred Wood (1920). In this essay, Eliot strongly criticizes Shakespeare’s Hamlet, which shocked many readers. However, Eliot’s aim was not to insult Shakespeare, but to explain why the play emotionally fails, according to him.
Most importantly, Eliot introduces the famous concept of Objective Correlative in this essay. As a result, the essay became a milestone in modern literary criticism.
Eliot’s View on Shakespeare’s Hamlet
According to T.S. Eliot, Hamlet is an artistic failure. This statement may seem surprising. However, Eliot argues that the emotions of Hamlet are not clearly expressed through action or situation in the play.
Why Does Eliot Call Hamlet a Problem?
Eliot believes that:
- Hamlet’s emotions are too complex
- Shakespeare failed to find proper dramatic situations to express these emotions
- As a result, the audience feels confused rather than emotionally satisfied
Therefore, Eliot says that Hamlet’s inner struggle is not properly controlled by the structure of the play.
The Concept of Objective Correlative
Definition
One of the most important contributions of this essay is the idea of Objective Correlative. According to Eliot:
In simple words, an objective correlative is:
- A set of objects
- A situation
- Or a chain of events
that clearly express a particular emotion.
Objective Correlative and Hamlet
In Hamlet, Eliot argues that:
- Hamlet feels deep disgust and emotional conflict
- But these emotions are not matched with clear external events
- Especially, Hamlet’s mother’s behavior does not fully justify his intense emotions
Therefore, the play lacks a proper objective correlative. Because of this mismatch, the emotions feel vague and uncontrolled.
Comparison with Other Shakespearean Plays
Furthermore, Eliot compares Hamlet with other plays like Macbeth and Othello. In those plays:
- Emotions are clearly linked to actions
- Situations effectively express feelings
- The audience understands the characters better
However, in Hamlet, this balance is missing. Hence, Eliot considers it less successful as a dramatic work.
Eliot’s Criticism of Hamlet’s Character
Eliot states that Hamlet is dominated by:
- Excessive thinking
- Emotional confusion
- Moral hesitation
As a result, Hamlet fails to act decisively. Eliot believes this hesitation is not fully justified by the plot. Therefore, the character becomes problematic rather than tragic.
Importance of “Hamlet and His Problems” for Exams
This essay is extremely important for:
- UGC NET English
- GATE English
- College literature exams
- TRB English examinations
At Elite Academy, students are trained to:
- Understand Eliot’s critical terms
- Answer objective and descriptive questions
- Write critical essays with clarity and confidence
Moreover, repeated questions from this topic appear in competitive exams.
Key Exam-Oriented Points to Remember
- Essay written by T.S. Eliot
- Published in 1919
- Introduced Objective Correlative
- Hamlet called an artistic failure
- Focus on emotional imbalance and structure
Therefore, mastering these points can greatly improve exam performance.
Why Learn T.S. Eliot at Elite Academy?
Elite Academy offers:
- Simple explanations for complex theories
- Exam-focused notes for NET, GATE, College TRB
- Experienced faculty in English literature
- Regular tests and revision sessions
As a result, students gain both conceptual clarity and exam confidence.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “Hamlet and His Problems” is a landmark essay in modern criticism. Although Eliot’s views are controversial, they offer a new way to understand literature. Most importantly, the concept of objective correlative remains highly influential even today.
For students preparing for NET, GATE, College, and TRB, learning this essay through Elite Academy ensures better understanding, strong answers, and higher success rates.
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