Man's Motivation In Hamlet

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In The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark by Shakespeare, man’s motivations are criticized. Man can act in regards with his beliefs, his passions, and for greed. Hamlet believes strongly in God and heaven; therefore, Hamlet is an example of man acting with regards to his beliefs. As well as, Laertes and Hamlet are examples of men acting with regards for passion. Laertes starts to choke Hamlet out of his passion for the deaths of Ophelia and Polonius. Finally, Claudius is an example of a man that acts for his greed. Man’s motivations for actions derive Hamlet’s criticism.
Hamlet strongly believes in God. Hamlet exhibits this belief by saying, “He that made us with such large discourse,” (IV.iv.38). Hamlet acknowledges that there is an omnipotent
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Hamlet continuously acts for his family. Originally, the ghost convinces Hamlet that it is his father’s spirit and that he was in purgatory. Therefore, Hamlet must act to help his father. Hamlet acts for his family and Ophelia. These are immediate motivations for Hamlet. Hamlet says, “O, from this time forth my thoughts be bloody or be nothing worth,” (IV.iv.68-9). Hamlet is motivated by seeing the soldiers. Despite confusing courage and recklessness, Hamlet still becomes bloodthirsty. Although this has always been his goal, Hamlet has a greater necessity to act. Hamlet also exhibits love because Hamlet says, “Why, I will fight with him upon this theme / until my eyelids will no longer wag!” (V.i.282-83). While, Ophelia’s body was being buried Laertes confronts Hamlet. Laertes believes that Hamlet deserves to go to hell. Hamlet is motivated by love when he says this because he loves Ophelia. Hamlet is willing to fight with Laertes about his love for Ophelia. Hamlet also demonstrates love for his mother. Hamlet loves Gertrude which is why he says, “Confess yourself to heaven, / repent what’s past, avoid what is to come,” (III.iv.170-71). Hamlet loves Gertrude, which is why he wants her to stop sinning. He continues to want his mother to prevent future sinning and to make her repent for her actions. Hamlet becomes motivated to act for desires and love. Previously, Hamlet has not committed to Ophelia. Hamlet loves Gertrude more than his want to get revenge for his

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