Concept of Revenge in Hamlet
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In William Shakespeare's play Hamlet, virtually all of the action is centered on the concept of revenge. Both Hamlet and Laertes are burdened with the responsibility of avenging the murders of their respective fathers. What is most interesting about Shakespeare's work, however, is the fact that while the characters find themselves in similar situations, they do not respond in the same fashion. Hamlet spends much of the play contemplating his vengeance against his father's murdered, while Laertes reacts to the news of his father's death swiftly and decisively. In some sense, these differences can be attributed to each man's individual code of honor: Laertes' sense of honor is inflexible, calling for prompt and aggressive action, while Hamlet's code of honor, on the other hand, is tentative in comparison, as he deliberates over the proper course of action rather than simply exacting his revenge. The play's conclusion makes it clear that this distinction is quite significant to Shakespeare. It is apparent in their reactions to their fathers' deaths alone that Hamlet and Laertes are very different men. As Hamlet absorbs the news of his father's passing, his initial response is not a desire for revenge or retribution. Instead, he descends into a introspective mood of sorrow and depression. Shakespeare makes this clear in Hamlet's first appearance in the play. Even though some time has passed since his father's murder, Hamlet is still wearing black clothing to
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may be feeling, and respond to Polonius' death in a decisive and aggressive manner. As soon as he discovers his father's murder, Laertes declares, "How came he dead? I'll not be juggled with./To hell, allegiance! Vows to the blackest devil!/Conscience and grace, to the profound pit!/I dare damnation" (IV.v.130-133). He does not brood over this unpleasant news, but instead, immediately demands revenge for the wrongful death. Laertes declares, "Let come what comes, only I'll be reveng'd/Most thoroughly for my father" (IV.v.135-136). In contrast to Hamlet, he does not spend days obsessing over the details of his father's murder; Laertes insists on receiving answers about the crime so that he will be able to seek vengeance and justice against the party who has wronged his family.
In their contrasting responses to their fathers' deaths, Shakespeare is also able to suggest that there is a fundamental difference in Hamlet and Laertes' codes of honor as well. Indeed, as far as Laertes is concerned, there is no higher responsibility than avenging his father's death. This evidenced by the fact that as soon as he learns of Polonius' murder, he declares, "To hell, allegiance!" Laertes' loyalty to Denmark and the King are of sec
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Approximate Word count = 1210
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page)
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