Enduring the Crisis: Stoic Figures in Shakespearean Tragedies

Stoicism, a Hellenistic philosophy primarily originating in ancient Greece, emphasizes the buildout of virtue, modesty, and self-control as key components of a fulfilling life. Its principles guide one on the path of tranquillity and eternal happiness. Stoic philosophy believes that extraneous occurrences and mundane or sublunary assets are not the key to acquiring true happiness. Instead, stoics believe that the path to true happiness primarily lies in cultivating inner resilience and a disciplined mind. William Shakespeare's works often reflect elements of Stoic philosophy, primarily and particularly underscoring nous, discipline, and virtue crucially and decisively in the face of adversity. Characters in his plays frequently grapple with emotions and fate, illustrating the Stoic belief in accepting things beyond our control. The paper explores elements of stoic philosophy like- the victory of reason over passion, the struggle between action and inaction, the endurance of suffering, and the acceptance of fate in two major tragedies: Hamlet and Julius Caesar. The paper aims to study the beliefs rooted in stoicism through closely reading the characters and plot.