“The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark” captures the ultimate division of a family following murder, deceit, and betrayal. Arriving home after his father’s death, Hamlet finds his uncle Claudius is married to his mother Gertrude and has taken the throne from its rightful heir, himself. This shocking news appalls Hamlet, who receives an explanation from the guards. After being informed of his father’s ghost, the previous King Hamlet, and speaking to the figure, Hamlet learns a frightening truth about his father’s death. The ghost claims that Hamlet’s uncle Claudius murdered him while he was sleeping and that is why he seeks Hamlet, to persuade him to seek revenge for his death. Although Hamlet has many opportunities to kill his new stepfather, Claudius, he delays doing so because he is deliberate, sly, and
…show more content…
His deliberate delay and hesitation to kill Claudius help develop his character. Hamlet is considerate of his image, for example, amidst the drama encircling his family during the play. King Claudius acknowledges that the people in the kingdom love Hamlet when he says, “He’s loved of the distracted multitude,/Who like not in their judgment, but their eyes” (IV, iii, 4-5). Hamlet knows that if he were to publically kill Claudius, he would risk losing his favorability in the kingdom. Moreover, Hamlet is sly, or conniving, such that he devises a plan to ensure Claudius’ guilt and an appropriate revenge for his father’s death, entirely on his own. Hamlet is also a dependable, loyal character, in the sense that he made a promise to his father to seek revenge for his death, and he fulfills that promise at all costs. He promises his father and uncle, “So, uncle, there you are. Now to my word./It is ‘adieu, adieu, remember me.’/I have sworn’t” (I, v, 111-113). Hamlet is a relatable character who goes to all ends to remain loyal, dependable, and considerate to his loved
His deliberate delay and hesitation to kill Claudius help develop his character. Hamlet is considerate of his image, for example, amidst the drama encircling his family during the play. King Claudius acknowledges that the people in the kingdom love Hamlet when he says, “He’s loved of the distracted multitude,/Who like not in their judgment, but their eyes” (IV, iii, 4-5). Hamlet knows that if he were to publically kill Claudius, he would risk losing his favorability in the kingdom. Moreover, Hamlet is sly, or conniving, such that he devises a plan to ensure Claudius’ guilt and an appropriate revenge for his father’s death, entirely on his own. Hamlet is also a dependable, loyal character, in the sense that he made a promise to his father to seek revenge for his death, and he fulfills that promise at all costs. He promises his father and uncle, “So, uncle, there you are. Now to my word./It is ‘adieu, adieu, remember me.’/I have sworn’t” (I, v, 111-113). Hamlet is a relatable character who goes to all ends to remain loyal, dependable, and considerate to his loved