Everyone at some point in time has been in a situation that could have been avoided completely or even ended in a different way. It only takes one person to influence a domino effect of bad decisions and actions. Where in the end just after looking back at all the things that happened, someone could have simply done one thing differently to change the ending. In William Shakespeare’s tragedy Hamlet, the Old Hamlet was the one to influence the domino effect of bad decisions and actions. Old Hamlet, Hamlet’s father, was the former king and also known in the play as the ghost. He is the second most important character in the play and also he is the reason for the play. While holding the most influence on the play, Hamlet’s actions, and the outcome
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Sometimes good people can make poor decisions and actions. If only they thought through things and didn’t act on emotions all would be fine. Old Hamlet could have changed the outcome of the play. His actions of telling Hamlet to revenge his death and instead of Old Hamlet dealing with his issues himself caused the domino effect. “Revenge his foul and most unnatural murder” (1.5.29). If Old Hamlet had the ability to talk to Hamlet, he could have gone to Claudius himself. This is the turning point in the play. Hamlet is already going through enough with dealing with his father’s death, his mother’s new marriage to his uncle, and his uncle not letting him leave Denmark. Now, you have Old Hamlet back as a ghost telling his son, he has been murdered and to revenge his death. This is what sent Hamlet over board and this is where the turning point happens in the play. Old Hamlet also had the opportunity to save the lives of everyone. It is known he wants revenge for his death, however, he didn’t have to have Hamlet kill Claudius. Claudius was a bad guy already, so he would have ended up with karma getting him back anyway. “Of those effects for which I did the murder—/ My crown, mine own ambition, and my queen. /May one be pardon 'd and retain the offence” (3.3.55-59)? Also, by Old Hamlet sending his son after Claudius, he ensured Hamlet’s death. Even then, he basically ensured most everyone’s deaths because of the natural domino effect we have in life. Also, when Old Hamlet comes back as a ghost the second time he could have saved lives and stop the tragedy from taking place. He had his second chance to save his son. “Do not forget. This visitation / Is but to whet thy almost blunted purpose” (3.4.125-126). Here is his still acting like a devil sitting on Hamlet’s shoulder egging him to murder Claudius. He is so wrapped up in
Sometimes good people can make poor decisions and actions. If only they thought through things and didn’t act on emotions all would be fine. Old Hamlet could have changed the outcome of the play. His actions of telling Hamlet to revenge his death and instead of Old Hamlet dealing with his issues himself caused the domino effect. “Revenge his foul and most unnatural murder” (1.5.29). If Old Hamlet had the ability to talk to Hamlet, he could have gone to Claudius himself. This is the turning point in the play. Hamlet is already going through enough with dealing with his father’s death, his mother’s new marriage to his uncle, and his uncle not letting him leave Denmark. Now, you have Old Hamlet back as a ghost telling his son, he has been murdered and to revenge his death. This is what sent Hamlet over board and this is where the turning point happens in the play. Old Hamlet also had the opportunity to save the lives of everyone. It is known he wants revenge for his death, however, he didn’t have to have Hamlet kill Claudius. Claudius was a bad guy already, so he would have ended up with karma getting him back anyway. “Of those effects for which I did the murder—/ My crown, mine own ambition, and my queen. /May one be pardon 'd and retain the offence” (3.3.55-59)? Also, by Old Hamlet sending his son after Claudius, he ensured Hamlet’s death. Even then, he basically ensured most everyone’s deaths because of the natural domino effect we have in life. Also, when Old Hamlet comes back as a ghost the second time he could have saved lives and stop the tragedy from taking place. He had his second chance to save his son. “Do not forget. This visitation / Is but to whet thy almost blunted purpose” (3.4.125-126). Here is his still acting like a devil sitting on Hamlet’s shoulder egging him to murder Claudius. He is so wrapped up in