Examples Of Betrayal In Hamlet

Betrayal is like getting stung by a bee; you have to pull out the stinger, but you still feel the pain afterwards. In the play Hamlet Shakespeare’s main character, Hamlet, is ‘stung’ over and over again. Once by his uncle, King Claudius after Hamlet’s father passed. Again by his acquaintance, Laertes, and once again by his childhood friends Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. Although, not all kinds of betrayal are the same. Hamlet’s betrayal was like watching his heart be ripped from his chest. He could see and feel the pain, but he couldn’t do anything about it because he needs a heart to live. Betrayal is most commonly found in the form of sheer lust and temper, but William Shakespeare's play Hamlet also shows betrayal through the manipulation of wretched friends. Lust; everyone feels it. There are different kinds of it floating around like mindless butterflies. Some lust for people, others lust for greed. Claudius is a clear example of both kinds of lust. The most obvious lust is his desire for the …show more content…
Moreover that we much did long to see you, the need we have to use you did provoke our hasty sending. Something you have heard of Hamlet’s transformation, so call it,...” (Ham.2.2.1-5). Hamlet, Rosencrantz, and Guildenstern have been childhood friends and live in the castle together. Since Rosencrantz and Guildenstern live in the castle, they have to follow what the King and Queen say since they are the hierarchy. Claudius takes advantage of this and tells them to spy and question Hamlet. Hamlet senses they are spying and feels betrayed: “Anything but to th’ purpose. You were sent for, and there is a kind of confession in your looks which your modesties have not craft enough for color. I know the good king and queen have sent for you” (Ham.2.2.300-304). Rosencrantz and Guildenstern had no choice but to do as the King and Queen wish. They didn’t betray Hamlet out of their own cruel doings, unlike