Introduction
The works of Sunjata and Hamlet have been revered for centuries, each inspiring generations of readers and viewers with their captivating stories and characters. Sunjata is a 13th-century epic poem from Mali, written by an anonymous griot, and Hamlet is a famous tragedy from the late 16th century by the English playwright William Shakespeare. Though separated by time and culture, these works share many similarities, including power, fate, and revenge themes. This paper will demonstrate how these works remain powerful and poignant even today by comparing and contrasting major characters and themes. By comparing and contrasting the major characters of Sunjata and Hamlet, this paper will demonstrate how these works explore themes of power, fate, and revenge in unique and compelling ways.
Different Themes Comparisons
Power
Power is a major theme in Sunjata and Hamlet, and the characters of Sumanguru and Claudius serve to illustrate this theme. Sumanguru is a powerful sorcerer who seeks to gain control of the Mandinka Empire. He is devious, cruel, and malicious and will stop at nothing to have what he wants. Claudius, the new King of Denmark, also seeks to seize control; however, his methods are more subtle and calculated. The major characters of Sunjata and Hamlet provide insight into this theme as they navigate their respective paths to power. The epic poem Sunjata follows the story of Sunjata Keita, the developer of the Mali Empire (Sunjata). For instance, Sunjata faces numerous obstacles on his journey to power but ultimately overcomes them, eventually becoming the ruler of the Mali Empire. Sunjata is an incredibly strong and determined hero willing to do anything it takes to gain and maintain power. As the epic poem states, “When a lion is hungry, he does not worry about the opinion of sheep” (Sunjata). Sunjata’s strength, determination, and courage are essential to his success, as he is willing to take whatever steps are necessary to achieve power.
In contrast, the main character in Hamlet is the titular prince of Denmark. Hamlet is in a more complex situation than Sunjata, as he is already a prince, but does not have the power of a king. Hamlet’s situation requires more finesse and restraint than Sunjata’s, as he must navigate the political landscape of Denmark to gain power. Hamlet is a thoughtful and introspective character who is initially reluctant to seize power, saying, “The time is out of joint: O cursed spite, that ever I was born to set it right” (Sunjata). Hamlet eventually takes action despite his hesitation and attempts to regain his rightful power. Therefore, both Sunjata and Hamlet demonstrate the theme of power through their respective journeys from struggle to success. Sunjata is a strong and determined hero willing to seize power by any means necessary. At the same time, Hamlet is a thoughtful and reflective character who must navigate the political landscape of Denmark to gain the power that is rightfully his. Through their respective journeys, Sunjata and Hamlet provide insight into the theme of power.
Fate
The legendary tales of Sunjata and Hamlet are both plays that incorporate the theme of fate, as fate is a major factor in the development of the characters and their respective storylines. While Sunjata and Hamlet are vastly different in the specifics of their stories, the characters and their fates are similar in many ways. The main characters of both plays, Sunjata and Hamlet, struggle to come to terms with their predetermined fates. Sunjata is a Mande prince prophesied to be a great king who will bring justice and unity to the Mali Empire. Similarly, Hamlet is a prince who is faced with the burden of avenging his father’s death.
In Sunjata, the main character’s destiny is revealed when he is born, and it is further developed when he is taken in by a griot, or storyteller. In contrast, Hamlet is initially unaware of his fate, and must discover it gradually. Sunjata accepts his fate from the outset, while Hamlet fights against his fate. This is a testament to the difference between the two characters’ attitudes toward their predetermined destinies. The different fates of the characters in both plays also have a significant impact on the plot. In Sunjata, the character’s destiny is fulfilled as he is able to bring justice and unity to the Mali Empire. On the other hand, Hamlet’s fate is never fully realized as he dies before he can avenge his father’s death. This is further highlighted by the quote “The rest is silence” (Shakespeare). That emphasizes how Hamlet’s fate was cut short and never fully realized.
Revenge
The works of Sunjata and Hamlet both explore the theme of revenge. The characters of Sunjata and Hamlet are driven by different motivations yet demonstrate similar characteristics. Sunjata, a legendary hero from the Mali Empire, is motivated by the need to restore his father’s honour and bring justice to the Kingdom of Mali. On the other hand, Hamlet is driven by the need to avenge his father’s death. Both characters struggle to deal with the pain and suffering caused by their enemy’s actions, ultimately leading them to seek revenge (Shakespeare). A powerful, almost uncontrollable emotion drives Sunjata and Hamlet. Sunjata is enraged when he hears of his father’s suffering, declaring, “My heart is burning, my arms are inflicted with pain, my belly is tied in knots with anger, and my mind is full of vengeance” (Sunjata). Similarly, Hamlet is consumed by anger when he discovers that his father was killed by his uncle, Claudius. He exclaims, “O, from this time forth, /My thoughts be bloody, or be nothing worth!” (Shakespeare). Both characters are determined to restore justice and regain their honour.
In addition, Sunjata and Hamlet both possess an act of immense courage and strength. Sunjata faces the daunting task of restoring his father’s honour and defeating his enemies. However, he does not let fear stop him from achieving his goals. He boldly faces his enemies and fights with great strength and courage. Similarly, Hamlet fearlessly takes on Claudius, despite the consequences. He declares, “Here, thou incestuous, murderous, damned Dane,/ Drink off this potion. Is thy union here?/ Follow my mother” (Shakespeare). Both characters show the same level of courage and strength in facing their enemies. Hence, although different motivations drive Sunjata and Hamlet, their similarities in emotion, courage, and strength reflect the theme of revenge in both works. Both characters are determined to restore justice and regain their honour, no matter the cost.
Conclusion
Sunjata and Hamlet are both timeless works that explore themes of power, fate, and revenge in unique and influential ways. By comparing and contrasting the major characters of these works, this paper has demonstrated how these themes remain relevant even today. Sunjata and Hamlet serve as a reminder that power must be used with caution, that fate must be accepted with courage, and that revenge must be tempered with morality.
Works Cited
Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Edited by David Bevington, Pearson, 2009.
Sunjata. Translated by G. D. Pickett, University of California Press, 2012.