SHAKESPEAREAN WARNING: From Comedy to Tragedy — Why Nigerian Politicians Must Read Hamlet

An X user, Mahdi Shehu, has sparked a wave of literary and political reflection after drawing a sharp parallel between William Shakespeare’s timeless works and the tragic fate awaiting politicians blinded by greed and ambition.

In a thought-provoking post titled “William Shakespeare: From Comedy to Tragedy — Politicians, Beware or You Remain Rare”, Shehu noted that Shakespeare, who began his writing career with lighthearted comedies such as Much Ado About Nothing, As You Like It, and Twelfth Night, eventually shifted his creative genius to tragedies—works that unmask the darkest depths of human nature.

Among these, Hamlet stands out as one of the most complex and enduring plays in world literature. With its blend of suspense, intellectual depth, and poetic brilliance, the play explores themes of ambition, betrayal, greed, treachery, lust, and the frailties of human existence.

Shehu argued that these very elements of tragedy mirror the traits of most politicians—especially in Africa—who often fall victim to the same destructive vices that consumed Hamlet, King Claudius, Queen Gertrude, Polonius, Laertes, and Ophelia.

> “The multiple tragedies in Hamlet stem from blind ambition, betrayal, inaction, treachery, man’s inhumanity to man, and godlessness,” Shehu wrote.

“Most politicians, particularly in Africa, possess all the ingredients that qualify them for the same tragic downfall.”

He urged Nigerian politicians, in particular, to read and reflect on Hamlet, warning that literature is not just entertainment but a mirror that exposes society’s moral decay.

In his closing note, Shehu issued a stark warning:

“Politicians, beware—or you remain rare.”