[Bevington presents an in-depth survey of the dramatic action and major themes of Hamlet The critic initially focuses on Hamlet's role in the play, examining his interactions with the other characters as well as his several soliloquies in an attempt to determine his "tragic flaw, " the diifect in atragic hero which leads to his downfall. fA soliloquy is aspeech delivered while the speaker is alone, devised to inform the reader of what the character is thinking or to provide essential information concerning other participants in the action.] Bevington also comments on the dramatic structure of Hamlet especially Shakespeare's balancing the tragedy with many foils. A foil refers to any literary character that through strong contrast accentuates the distinctive characteristics of another.] Perhaps the most obviousfoil to Hamlet is Laertes, who acts in haste upon hearing.....
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