The critic Northrup Frye assessed Hamlet as a play without catharsis, a tragedy in which everything noble and heroic is suffocated by ferocious codes of revenge, betrayal , espionage and the consequences of weak actions by broken wills. Although the work departs from the traditional definition of catharsis given by Aristotle in the Poetics "through pity and fear effecting the proper purification of these emotions", it still offers a strong purification of feelings of disgust by the work's denouement. The elements that Frye claims prevent catharsis are actually what generate the disgust necessary for catharsis to take place. This emotion is suddenly eliminated through heroism, virtue, and the restoration of the chain of being at the conclusion of the play. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essayFrye hypothesizes that codes of ferocious revenge, betrayal, espionage, and the consequences of weak actions due to broken wills intervene with catharsis, but conversely, develop the feeling of disgust that needs to be eliminated. This differs from the Aristotelian definition of catharsis as the elimination of pity and fear, but it is nevertheless a form of catharsis, which produces a similar final effect on the audience. Disgust and purgation as symbols of catharsis in "Hamlet". plays when Polonius sends Raynaldo to spy on his son, Laertes, who is studying in France. Yes, or drinking, fencing, swearing, / Arguing, getting drunk” you could get this far (II.i.25-26) says Polonius, ordering Rinaldo to exchange inaccurate statements with Laertesí, friends. This illustrates Polonius' distrust of his son and his willingness to use any means necessary to obtain information about Laertes, even if this runs the risk of jeopardizing his reputation. Corruption within the family directly increases the sense of loathing. Hamlet's needless murder of Polonius also emphasizes emotion. His near-madness and ignorance of the circumstances lead him to the false conclusion that Claudius is behind the tapestry as he states: He is the king (III.iv.26). This event reveals a flaw in Hamlet's character, which diminishes Hamlet's heroism in the audience's mind and creates a feeling of disgust in its place. Laertes and Claudius contribute to this revulsion as well as conspire an unjust duel to triumph over Hamlet, I will grease my sword. With this contagion, which if I slightly irritate him, / It could be death (IV.vii.139-147). Once again, corruption in royal families breeds disgust which ultimately fuels catharsis. What eliminates the sense of disgust is the display of the characters' heroism and virtue. Laertes contributes to the catharsis by expressing doubts about his sinful and unjust fencing duel with Hamlet: [Aside] Yet it is almost against my conscience (V.ii.300). Laertes' uncertainty in his next actions represents some good in his conscience. This quality makes Laertes' virtue evident, which eliminates the disgust accumulated previously. The relief extends further as Laertes continues to show righteousness: Exchange forgiveness with me, noble Hamlet. / My death and my father's does not come upon you (V.ii.334-335), and when it is acknowledged by Hamlet, Heaven delivers you from it. I follow you (V.ii.337). Horatio's altruism through Hamlet's blessing also contributes to catharsis: now the noble heart breaks. Good night sweet prince, / And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest (V.ii.364-365). Similarly, Fortinbras's recognition of Hamlet's death reveals the heroism in both of their characters while comparing..