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Theme of Vengeance in Hamlet

In 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 signify his mourning, and his dark mood is obvious to all who encounter him, as they seem taken aback by his persistent melancholy. Claudius, Hamlet's uncle who has become King of Denmark in the aftermath of the previous king's death, pointedly asks Hamlet, "How is it that the clouds still hang on you?" (I.ii.66). From Hamlet's point of view, this deep depression is quite normal, but Gertrude, his mother, who has married Claudius, her deceased husband's brother, does not seem to agree....

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Theme of Vengeance in Hamlet. (1969, December 31). In LotsofEssays.com. Retrieved 03:50, March 29, 2024, from https://www.lotsofessays.com/viewpaper/1696526.html