The dark side of human nature attracts universal curiosity that great storytellers throughout history have exploited through classic tales. These themes are used as vehicles to intrigue audiences by exposing taboo subjects and the weaknesses of mankind. Shakespeare masters this art in his classic play Hamlet. Through the all-encompassing death of King Hamlet, and the corrupting mission of revenge, the ultimate decay of Hamlet’s mind is unveiled throughout the play.
Between the dark state of Denmark, and crowning Claudius as the new king, King Hamlet's death begins to affect Hamlet internally. In the play, Hamlet follows the ghost of his father in search of answers. Though Hamlet directs otherwise, Marcellus feels compelled to follow him because …show more content…
As Fortinbra and his army abruptly enter Denmark, they run into Hamlet in the castle. When seeing Fortinbra’s army desire to take what is theirs, Hamlet criticizes himself for not acting upon his revenge by stating “now all occasions do inform against me/ and spur my dull revenge” (IV.iv.34-35). Hamlet says that everything he encounters inclines him to avenge his father’s death, finally admitting this duty is so great that the end must justify the means. As a result of encountering the army, Hamlet recognizes he can no longer escape the necessity for action. Upon these realizations, Hamlet yet again becomes fixated on revenge and becomes more unstable. Similarly, leading to his decayed mindset, Gertrude calls upon Hamlet into her bedroom to speak about the offensive performance of the play he directs. Unbeknownst to Hamlet, Polonius hides behind a drape overhearing their conversation. When in hiding, Polonius makes a faint noise and without any hesitation, Hamlet immediately stabs Polonius concealed by the curtain, while shouting “how now! A rat? Dead for ducat” (III.iv.29). Displayed by this impulsive murder of Polonius, Hamlet is clearly becoming unaware of his own actions. The quest for revenge programs his mindset to not care about anything but killing Claudius. This new fascination of revenge forces Hamlet to abandon his old ambitions and become heartless through actions of killing innocent people. Moreover, Hamlet's obsession of reprisal highlight the decay revenge can have on one's mindset, and the grave consequences that
Between the dark state of Denmark, and crowning Claudius as the new king, King Hamlet's death begins to affect Hamlet internally. In the play, Hamlet follows the ghost of his father in search of answers. Though Hamlet directs otherwise, Marcellus feels compelled to follow him because …show more content…
As Fortinbra and his army abruptly enter Denmark, they run into Hamlet in the castle. When seeing Fortinbra’s army desire to take what is theirs, Hamlet criticizes himself for not acting upon his revenge by stating “now all occasions do inform against me/ and spur my dull revenge” (IV.iv.34-35). Hamlet says that everything he encounters inclines him to avenge his father’s death, finally admitting this duty is so great that the end must justify the means. As a result of encountering the army, Hamlet recognizes he can no longer escape the necessity for action. Upon these realizations, Hamlet yet again becomes fixated on revenge and becomes more unstable. Similarly, leading to his decayed mindset, Gertrude calls upon Hamlet into her bedroom to speak about the offensive performance of the play he directs. Unbeknownst to Hamlet, Polonius hides behind a drape overhearing their conversation. When in hiding, Polonius makes a faint noise and without any hesitation, Hamlet immediately stabs Polonius concealed by the curtain, while shouting “how now! A rat? Dead for ducat” (III.iv.29). Displayed by this impulsive murder of Polonius, Hamlet is clearly becoming unaware of his own actions. The quest for revenge programs his mindset to not care about anything but killing Claudius. This new fascination of revenge forces Hamlet to abandon his old ambitions and become heartless through actions of killing innocent people. Moreover, Hamlet's obsession of reprisal highlight the decay revenge can have on one's mindset, and the grave consequences that