Conflicted Hamlet - To Be or Not to Be...I Can't Decide!

Conflicted Hamlet – Being and Not being… I Can’t Decide!
What is conflict? Is it a miscommunication between two parties? Is it a clash of interests? Is it a need for revenge? To a literary person, conflict is what gives a piece of writing depth and makes it something to remember. In fact, it is the very concept that makes Hamlet stand out from other pieces of literature. The intense struggle between the two main characters make it one of Shakespeare’s most well-known pieces of writing. From beginning to end, two characters have the power to create, mould and exemplify countless themes throughout Hamlet. The fierce conflict between Claudius and Hamlet is essential to develop the action and inaction, revenge, the impossibility of certainty and appearance vs. reality themes.
The contrast between action and inaction is emphasized between Claudius and Hamlet due to the conflict between these two characters. To begin, Claudius sends Hamlet to an almost certain death immediately after he suspects Hamlet’s knowledge of his father’s murder. Quickly, he confides in Rosencratz and Guildenstern that, “[Claudius likes Hamlet] not, nor stands it safe with [everyone] / [t]o let his madness range” (III.iii.1-2), and demands, “therefore prepare you. I your commission will forthwith dispatch / [a]nd he to England shall along with you” (III.iii.3-4). It seems Claudius proceeds impulsively, however his calculated and rapid actions are the key to the development of the theme of action. Claudius smoothly uses “[Hamlet’s] madness” as the source of his nephew’s departure, though it is his own safety that concerns Claudius. Next, Hamlet cannot find the strength to kill his father’s murderer throughout most of the play.
“Now, whether it be / [b]estial oblivion, or some craven scruple / [o]f thinking too precisely on the event / [a] thought which, quarter’d, hath but one part wisdom / [a]nd ever three parts coward, I do not know / [w]hy yet I live to say ’This thing’s to do / [s] ith I have cause, and will, and strength, and means / [t]o do’t” (IV.iv.39-46).
In this passage, Hamlet admits that he thinks but does not act, which makes the theme of inaction obvious—especially compared to the rapid proceedings of his uncle. The fact that the quotation is uttered in Act IV makes Hamlet’s procrastination even clearer, as Hamlet has known about Hamlet Sr.’s murder since Act I and still fails to avenge his father’s death. Further, Claudius instantly devises a new way for Hamlet to die after he discovers that Hamlet survived the boat trip. Claudius’ thoughts become apparent when he exclaims, “set a double varnish on the fame…[a]nd wager on your heads… you may choose / [a] sword unbated… and for that purpose I’ll anoint my sword. I bought an unction of a mountebank / [s]o mortal…” (IV.vii.129-139). The fact that Claudius forms a plan so swiftly once he finds out that Hamlet is still alive shows the action portion of the theme action and inaction. The passage is most remarkable due to the fact that Claudius devises two plans to try to kill Hamlet in mere moments, whereas Hamlet cannot think of one way to kill Claudius throughout the length of the play. In Hamlet, much of the plot revolves around Hamlet’s procrastination and Claudius’ fast actions. The contrast makes the theme of action and inaction clear.
The theme of revenge is brought out through the relationship between Claudius and Hamlet. To start, the play circumnavigates around Hamlet’s thoughts and possible attempts to kill his father’s murderer. In the first Act, Hamlet mutters, “so, uncle, there you are. Now to my word” (I.v.111), setting off the play. The rising action and development of the plot only begins after Hamlet declares that he will kill Claudius, initiating the conflict between the two main characters. Moreover, Hamlet gets revenge on Claudius for the corruption of his mother. As Hamlet poisons his uncle, he states, “Here, thou incestuous, murderous, damned Dane / [d]rink off this potion. Is thy union here? Follow my mother” (V.ii.320-323). Surprisingly, Hamlet focuses his hatred towards Claudius for corrupting his mother, rather than the murder of his father. Hamlet’s final words to Claudius make it recognizable that he is avenging both of his parents, not just Hamlet Sr. Thirdly, Hamlet gets revenge on Rosencratz and Guildenstern for allowing them to be used by Claudius.
“Why, man, they did make love to this employment. They are not near my conscience. Their defeat / [d]oes by their own insinuation grow. 'Tis dangerous when the baser nature come / [b]etween the pass and fell incensed points [o]f mighty opposites” (V.ii.56-62).
It appears that if Hamlet had not killed the duo, Claudius would have. Rosencratz and Guildenstern could have survived if they had not been sandwiched between Claudius and Hamlet’s relationship, which Hamlet acknowledges in the passage. Hamlet not only focuses on Hamlet’s revenge for Hamlet Sr.’s murder, but the corruption of his friends and his mother as well. The impossibility of uncertainty is accentuated throughout the conflict between Claudius and Hamlet. First, Hamlet tries to avenge his father and finally kill Claudius, but kills Polonius instead. As Hamlet stabs through the arras, he wonders, “Is it the king?” (III.iv.27) Even though Hamlet is sure Claudius is behind the curtain, it comes as a great surprise to Hamlet to discover that he kills an innocent man. Also, Hamlet and Gertrude are certain that his travels will lead him to England, but he never arrives. He says to her with confidence, “I must to England, you know that?” (III.iv.204). Though Hamlet is certain of his destination, Claudius’ determination to end the conflict ensures that he never arrives in England. Lastly, Hamlet admits that certainty is impossible. As Hamlet contemplates killing Claudius in prayer, he admits, “he took my father grossly, full of bread / [w]ith all his crimes broad blown, as flush as May. And how his audit stands who knows save heaven?” (III.iii. 81-83). Bluntly, Hamlet remarks that it is impossible to know exactly how his father died and the state of his sins at the time of his death. Claudius’ murder guarantees Hamlet’s uncertainty, as the king makes sure that there are no witnesses to see Hamlet Sr. before and during his murder. Many situations in Hamlet bring attention to the theme of the impossibility of uncertainty caused by the conflict between Claudius and Hamlet.

The struggle between Hamlet and Claudius develops the theme of appearance vs. reality. In Act III, Scene iii, it appears that Claudius is praying, which prevents Hamlet from killing him on the spot. Realistically, Hamlet would have had time to murder Claudius before he was able to ask for forgiveness for his sins. Claudius says, “Pray can I not. Though inclination be as sharp as will… bow, stubborn knees, and, heart with strings of steel, / [b]e soft as sinews of the newborn babe. All may be well” (III.iii.40-73). Claudius’ appearance stops Hamlet from killing him as he believes Claudius’ soul would go to heaven if he did. Yet, if Hamlet heard what Claudius was really saying, he could have adequately avenged his father and ended the conflict between the king and the prince. Next, Claudius appears to be an understanding and kind relative to Hamlet, when in reality he killed Hamlet’s father without a single thought of how it would affect Hamlet. After Hamlet speaks to his parents in a disrespectful tone, Claudius simply retorts, “‘tis sweet and commendable in your nature, Hamlet, to give these mourning duties to your father” (I.ii.87-89). The kindness in his demeanour gives the impression to the council that he rightfully belongs on the throne. Accurately, it is Hamlet Sr. who should be the king. Further, In Act I, Scene ii, Gertrude and Claudius think that Hamlet’s depression is caused by his father’s death only, but it is his mother’s remarriage that is the main source of his sadness.
“O God! a beast that wants discourse of reason / [w]ould have mourn’d longer,—married with mine uncle / [m]y father’s brother; but no more like my father / [t]han I to Hercules: within a month / [e]re yet the salt of most unrighteous tears / [h]ad left the flushing in her galled eyes, / [s]he married:— O, most wicked speed, to post / [w]ith such dexterity to incestuous sheets!” (I.ii.150-158)
The passage brings out a new dimension to the struggle between Claudius and Hamlet when it becomes clear that Hamlet not only blames him for the loss of his father, but the loss of his mother also. Of course, the only person who knows about the real source of his turmoil is himself, whereas the rest of the characters believe his father’s death is the reason for his depression. To conclude, the theme of appearance vs. Reality is developed because of the conflicting relationship between Claudius and Hamlet. In conclusion, the relationship between Hamlet and Claudius is vital to the development of the themes of action and inaction, revenge, the impossibility of uncertainty, and appearance vs. reality. From the contrast between Hamlet’s inaction to Claudius’ action, to Hamlet needs for revenge for both his mother and his father’s death, to the fact that Claudius’ appearance of a noble king makes it more difficult for Hamlet to uncover the truth of Claudius, the relationship between the two characters thematically cultivates Hamlet as a whole. Hamlet is filled with love, hate, fear, revenge, and most importantly, struggle. The ability to recognise and become captivated by the web of conflict and struggle has compelled and ensnared audiences and readers since the play’s inception.

Works Cited “Character Analysis: Hamlet”. Cliffs Notes. n.d. Web. July 28, 2010.

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Jamieson, Lee. “Other Themes in Hamlet”. About.com: Shakespeare. n.d. Web. July 28, 2010.

Jenkins, Ronald Bradford. “The Case Against the King: The Family of Ophelia vs. His Majesty King Claudius of Denmark.” Journal of Evolutionary Psychology 17.3-4 (Aug. 1996): 206-18.

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Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Ed. Betty Buley. Toronto: Falcon Press, 1972.

Cited: “Character Analysis: Hamlet”. Cliffs Notes. n.d. Web. July 28, 2010. Delaware P, 1993. 175-88. “Hamlet Navigator: Theme Index”. Twelth-Night. n.d. Web. July 28, 2010. “Hamlet, Prince of Denmark: A Study Guide”. Cumming Study Guides. n.d. Web. July 19, 2010. “Hamlet: Themes”. LitCharts. n.d. Web. July 19, 2010. “Hamlet: Themes and Symbols”. Hamlet Guide. n.d. Web. July 28, 2010. Jamieson, Lee. “Other Themes in Hamlet”. About.com: Shakespeare. n.d. Web. July 28, 2010. Lal, Sikandar. “Secular Tragedy—the Case of Claudius.” Hamlet Studies 18.1-2 (Summer/Winter 1996): 49-64. Mabillard, Amanda. “Introduction to Claudius”. Shakespeare Online. August 20, 2000. Web Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Ed. Betty Buley. Toronto: Falcon Press, 1972.