“O, from this time forth / My thoughts be bloody or nothing worth”: Existentialism, Metatheatricality, and Self-Reflective Fiction in Hamlet

The thesis offers a unique perspective on the characterization of William Shakespeare's protagonist, Hamlet, through the lens of twentieth-century existentialism and metatheatrical theory. The analysis argues that Hamlet is not merely an actor but a self-reflective character aware of his fictionality in the dramatic narrative. Adopting an interdisciplinary approach that combines philosophy, literary, and theatrical studies, <em>Hamlet</em> becomes a work that transcends historical context and continues to shape existentialist thought. Finally, the thesis refutes scholarly arguments that the final act of <em>Hamlet</em> demonstrates him experiencing a positive, religious transcendence. Rather, the final act demonstrates Hamlet's exhaustion in attempting to continue the dramatic narrative.&nbsp;