This option seems prime to many, yet when Hamlet dies he will be stuck in purgatory for not avenging his father. In Hamlet’s monologue, purgatory is referred to as “The undiscovered country from whose bourn/ No traveler returns.” This choice that Hamlet has to make is fated either way to be castigated in the two worlds of reality and the afterlife. Hamlet’s actions do not only affect him, but everyone surrounding him. Ophelia is the most shaken up by Hamlet’s choices. She ends up losing everything that is important
that this too too solid flesh would melt … all the uses of this world.” (I, ii, 129-135) Hamlet’s life no longer serves any value to him. He longs for death, wishing that he could end his own life without being doomed to an eternity in hell. This feeling lingers in his mind throughout most of the play, as in Hamlet’s fourth soliloquy it is believed he is debating killing himself as he ponders approaches that would not leave him at fault for his death; “Whether t’is nobler in the mind … and by opposing, end them?” (III, i, 57-60) Meanwhile, he also fears death as many of us today still do. Upon meeting his father’s apparition and learning of his unnatural murder, he is introduced to a new factor of death that was not considered before: purgatory. “Thou poor ghost.” (I, v, 97) Hamlet pities his father, as he was murdered and was not given the chance to pray.
Most often, Hamlet makes comments that suggest he is going to seek immediate revenge from his father’s murderer, but he remains stagnant. Early within the play he states that “with wings as swift As meditation or the thoughts of love” he will “sweep to [his father’s] revenge,” but his indecisive nature thwarts his efforts (Act I. Scene v. Line 31). Because of his Protestant religious background, Hamlet considers the possibility of the ghost being a devil. Resilient against having his soul damned to hell, Hamlet second guesses himself and his decision loses “the name of action” (Act III.
Deception in Hamlet Throughout this play, the reoccurring theme of deception constantly resurfaces, and contributes greatly to the outcome of the play. This deception, which can be seen as both harmful and benign, is closely linked to the actions of the majority of the characters in the play, and is both inflicted onto others and onto oneself. Deception is closely linked with the corruption in the state of Denmark, and revolves around the foul deeds committed by the king. “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark”. No character is spared from this deception, and therefore, it stands as a key theme in the play, “Hamlet”.
On one level it helps develop the reader’s understanding of some of the play’s key themes. The first of these is revenge. At this point in the play, after Hamlet has earlier been told by his father’s ghost that he was murdered by his brother, Hamlet’s uncle Claudius, Hamlet has taken no significant action to claim that revenge the ghost has demanded. He believes he has established grounds for taking the appropriate revenge, yet
Andres Mollejas Ms. Pelland ENG 4U1-02 December 9th 2014 Hamlet’s Outcast Reasons to Take Revenge Sometimes people’s actions have deeper meanings that cannot be seen. One should not judge others if one has not considered all of the different aspects that have gone into play. Upon reading Hamlet there are many ways to interpret the pursuit of revenge that Hamlet seems so eager to take. Although at first glance it may seem obvious as to why Hamlet took revenge, there are several reasons that may not be evident at first but are apparent once revealed. Hamlet’s mental state plays a large role as he is severely depressed by the death of his father and also very disturbed by his mother marrying his uncle.
Hamlet’s first sight of the ghost made him very traumatized. This made him go see Ophelia to express his feelings about his father’s death but he could not let his feelings out to her. When Hamlet’s father died, he became enraged and filled with hatred. Hamlet was sure that it was Claudius that had killed his father, and because of this he had a filial obligation to seek revenge. While in the room with his mother discussing Hamlet’s absolute
Lack of trust often leads to one’s downfall. This is shown in “Hamlet,” a play by William Shakespeare, and in the short story "To Build a Fire" by Jack London. The main character in each of these works lacks trust and this ultimately leads to their deaths. The conflicts, theme and characterization in these literary works display why trust is needed in everyone’s life. In William Shakespeare's play, the main character, Hamlet finds out his father, the king, was killed by his uncle, Claudius.
While Hamlet is self-conflicting with plans, Laertes is taking action immediately after he knows of his father’s murder. At the end of the play, the similarity between Hamlet and Laretes can be observed by the viewers as Hamlet says “I'll be your foil, Laertes: in mine ignorance your skill shall, like a star i' the darkest night, Stick fiery off indeed" (V.ii.5-7). Hamlet knows that they will be compared to one another in the future. Although Laertes is found to be greater for his courage to take action, Hamlet’s ability to make rational thoughts and planning has been highlighted from this
In The Tragedy of Macbeth, guilt plays an immense role in the lives of Macbeth and his Queen; guilt is the single attribute that pushes them to the edge and tests their sanity. William Shakespeare uses vivid imagery to accentuate the guilt that Macbeth and his Queen