Seeking Revenge In Hamlet Essay

In the tragic play Hamlet, by William Shakespeare, the main protagonist, Hamlet, is pulled by two compelling forces: his need for action and fear of life after death. In an attempt to avenge the murder of his father, Hamlet faces a crucial decision: to take revenge on Claudius or to commit suicide. Hamlet’s hesitation to take action is caused by his moral values. Although he is filled with hatred, he cannot get himself to kill his uncle. Hamlet fears “the unknown” and potentially purgatory after death. Hamlet’s compelling ambition to seek revenge on Claudius contributes to the underlying theme: Revenge is an unwarranted action that leads to tragedy. Prince Hamlet’s spark to seek revenge is brought up by the ghost of his father, King Hamlet. When this spirit visits Hamlet and informs him that Claudius was the one who had poured poison down the King’s ear, Hamlet’s hatred for his uncle begins. In
Claudius, in fear of his nephew, plans to put poison on the tip of Laertes’ sword, so that one graze will kill Hamlet. This plan is followed through with, and Hamlet, gets struck by the weapon, oblivious to the fact that he will die shortly. Laertes accidentally drops his sword, and Hamlet retrieves it and wounds Laertes. In celebration for her son’s apparent victory, Gertrude drinks from a poisoned cup of wine, intended for Hamlet to drink out of. Soon after, the truth comes out and Hamlet is seen as a “hero.” Hamlet takes the poisoned sword and wine, stabs Claudius, and forces him to drink from the cup. All of these actions and deaths leave Horatio, Hamlet’s one trustworthy friend, to tell the truth of this story for years to come. Now, in this moment, Hamlet has to face death, whereas earlier in the play, he was terrified and unwilling to come face to face with it. The many deaths in Hamlet contribute to the meaning of the play; seeking revenge will only lead to hardships and gruesome