Comparritive Hamlet Essay

2170 Words9 Pages
In William Shakespeare’s play Hamlet, the protagonist, in comparison to Claudius, Laertes and Fortinbras portrays his indecisiveness, which ultimately leads to his demise, and his inability to complete his quest for vengeance. Firstly, the playwright uses the character of King Claudius to highlight his nephew’s indecisiveness, through his actions to usurp the Danish throne and his ability to trust people. Furthermore, Laertes enhances his sister’s lover's (Hamlet) tragic flaw, by achieving his desire to return to France and his passion and quick action to avenge his father’s death. Moreover, Prince Fortinbras brings attention to Hamlet’s indecisiveness through his own rash behaviour and his ability to use the opportunities that arise. Firstly, in Shakespeare's play Hamlet, the playwright uses certain characters to highlight Hamlet's tragic flaw of indecisiveness. Hamlet's uncle, King Claudius, highlights Hamlet’s tragic flaw though his actions to usurp the Danish throne and his ability to trust the people surrounding him, whilst Hamlet is shown to have difficulty doing so. Hamlet’s indecisiveness is first shown through his inability to take his throne as the king of Denmark, as he mourns for a long period of time and is not mentally present. In front of the Danish court, Claudius confronts Hamlet about his excessive grief and emphasizes Hamlet’s unstable mentality and showing no desire to take the throne. When he states: 'Tis sweet and commendable in your nature, Hamlet, To give these mourning duties to your father. … To do obsequious sorrow. But to persever In obstinate condolement is a course Of impious stubbornness. 'Tis unmanly grief” (1.2.87-94) King Claudius suggests that Hamlet is letting his excessive grief rule his life. Hamlet is not entirely aware of his surroundings as he does not try to seek out his throne from Claudius which he is in control of
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