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To What Extent, and How, Is Claudius Presented by Shakespeare as a Tragic Villain Without Any Redeeming Features?

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To What Extent, and How, Is Claudius Presented by Shakespeare as a Tragic Villain Without Any Redeeming Features?
‘Hamlet’ is a revenge tragedy and therefore has a traditional tragic hero and tragic villain. Hamlet follows the typical features of a tragic hero as he is a revenger with a tragic flaw leading to his death. However, it can be seen that Claudius is not a typical villain, as he does appear to have some redeeming features. Literary critic F.C. Hunt stated that ‘Claudius is painted by Shakespeare as bold, keen-sighted and resourceful’. Although all of these features are redeeming and there are many examples of these characteristics are presented throughout the play, this does not necessarily mean that Claudius is a wholly innocent character.

As the King, Shakespeare presents Claudius as an able ruler who is trying to prove his worthiness to his court. This is apparent in Act 1, Scene 2 in Claudius’ opening speech. Claudius can be seen as being sincere in this speech as he mentions the death of his brother: ‘bear our hearts in grief’ (page 15) and he also states that the country is ‘contracted in one brow of woe’ (page 15). His language could be interpreted as heartfelt in his opening speech as he feels genuine sorrow over his brother’s death. This is a redeeming feature as he appears to feel love towards his brother for mentioning him as he takes his place as King. The language Shakespeare uses in Claudius’ opening speech is dismissive about the threat that Denmark may face from Norway due to Fortinbras: ‘So much for him’ (page 17). This is because he wants to display his confidence as a leader and to calm the listeners. This contributes to Claudius’ redeeming features as he appears to be considerate towards the feelings of those within the court. He does not wish to worry them and therefore comes across as an able leader.

It may be interpreted that Claudius is inferior to his predecessor and is trying to provide the court with the reassurance that he can follow on from the previous King. Hamlet states that Claudius is ‘no more like my father/Than I to Hercules’


Bibliography: Heinemann Advanced Shakespeare – ‘Hamlet’ sparknotes.com sirbacon.org – F.C. Hunt interpretation
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