Sir Laurence Olivier in the 1948 film adaptation of
Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”
A morality play
is an allegorical form of drama where the main conflict is between the virtues
and vices personified by the characters.
A classic example is Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”,
where the main character (Prince Hamlet) must deal with events after his father
is murdered by his uncle Claudius. It is
a tale of good and evil, and we watch as Hamlet contemplates the ramifications
of his actions.
A similar morality play is unfolding in American
politics. We get to watch our elected
leaders contemplate the ramifications of policy decisions, but the political
theater is where the real action takes place.
It is here we see politics as a morality play, and the battle is between
good and evil. See if you can figure out
who is wearing “the black hats.”
Take the issue of fiscal responsibility. The problem is real, but the conflict is perceived
as being between those who want to protect our citizens and those who have no
such feelings.
What about gun control?
Reducing tragedies from gun violence is a problem, but the drama is
between people who want to protect our citizens and those who are characterized
as being aloof and ideological.
Problems of foreign policy, voting rights, and sexual
identity are also part of our national debate, but the drama is always between
those who are sensitive to the feelings of individuals and those who are cast
as having no such concern.
Our political leaders have a host of problems to confront,
but Americans should consider how political issues are simply props for the
larger morality play being staged.
We can look to the character of Hamlet himself, who muses
“…the play’s the thing wherein I’ll catch the conscience of the King.”
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