Abuse Of Power In Hamlet

Power is defined as “the possession of control or command over others; authority; ascendancy”(Dictionary.com) which is related to status, which is “the position of an individual in relation to another or others, especially in regard to social or professional standing”(Dictionary.com). Both power and status play an important role in Shakespeare’s play, Hamlet. In order for the characters in Hamlet to preserve their status, they must maintain power over the citizens of Denmark. The royal family and their nobility will do anything to keep the image that they are all knowing, “god” like beings, even if it means using negative methods such as manipulation, intimidation or deceit. Not only do they feel the need to control their citizens, but the …show more content…
Many characters in Hamlet such as Claudius, Polonius and Hamlet have an addiction to the maintenance of power between one another and this competitive nature leads to the characters eventual deaths. Originally, the king of Denmark was King Hamlet, who is the father of the protagonist Hamlet. Denmark believed King Hamlet died when a poisonous snake bit him while he was sleeping in the Orchard near their castle. Hamlet is visited by his father’s dead ghost, who informs him that his death was not accidental, but a murder. The ghost said, “But know, thou noble youth, / The serpent that did sting thy father’s life / Now wears his crown” (1.5.38-40). This is an example of how Claudius’ addiction to power leads him to murder his own brother. Claudius uses deception by making it appear to Denmark that he is stepping up to help Denmark, his brother’s son Hamlet and widow Gertrude, by taking over as king and marrying Gertrude. Denmark believed …show more content…
Polonius is Claudius’ right hand man, meaning that whatever Claudius’ needs, Polonius will do it for him. Hamlet being a part of the Royal family means that he cannot guarantee to Ophelia that they can get married, because he has to think about the whole countries best interest, not simply his own. If a circumstance did occur which meant Hamlet could not be with Ophelia, it would only cause her heart break and drama for Polonius. Polonius says, “I would not, in plain terms, from this time forth, have you so slander any moment leisure as to give words or talk with the lord Hamlet. Look to‘t, I charge you. Come your ways.” Polonius abuses his power by not only controlling but attempting to control Hamlets life as