Locating the Elements of Comic Relief in Shakespeare's Tragedy Hamlet

This paper challenges the traditional hierarchical view of comedy and
tragedy within the realm of aesthetics, which often places tragedy on a
pedestal above comedy. It argues that comedy is crucial in alleviating
emotional tension in tragic narratives and advancing the plot, offering
emotional catharsis to the audience. Using Shakespeare's Hamlet as a case
study, the paper explores the integration of comic elements in the tragedy,
examining how they contribute to the complexity of the work. By
analyzing characters such as the Gravediggers, Polonius, and Hamlet
himself elected how Shakespeare employs tragicomic figures to evoke a
nuanced emotional response, blending humor and humorathos.
Additionally, it delves into the function of Shakespearean clowns as foils
and parodies, shedding light on their role in accentuating the protagonists'
qualities and critiquing societal norms. By closely examining sub-textual
cues, this paper underscores the significance of comic elements in
enriching the tragic framework of Shakespearean drama.