Explore the Ways in Which the Theme of Revenge Contributes t
William Shakespeare's play Hamlet is one of the most widely performed plays in history and of the world today. The play contains many twists and turns, which mostly stem from Hamlets indecisive quest for revenge. The theme of revenge is the driving force of the play and should therefore direct the outcome of many of the scenes and characters - especially those involving Hamlet, and to a lesser extent, later in the play, Laertes. After his lengthy conversation with his father, the ghost, Hamlet's personal goals are clearly set out, as is his hatred for the enemy, Claudius. "That one may smile, and smile, and be a villain...so, uncle, there you are. Now to my word". By this Hamlet shows a degree of honour to the wishes of the ghost without actually swearing directly to him that he will avenge his murder. Perhaps it is safe to assume the ghost, being Hamlets father, trusts him enough to carry out his wishes and that the ghost, being an unnatural being, heard Hamlet's passionate, enthusiastic and enflamed words used after his exit. The ghost demonstrates behaviour to support this when he, whilst not being present, calls for Horatio and Marcellus to swear to their word. The ghost and Hamlet's own personal agendas immediate
They can then empathise much more as they learn more information with Hamlet. " Laertes, unlike Hamlet, is quick to act after his father's death. This is the most direct action taken in the play so far, but it still isn't revenge. His justification is more torment for Claudius; sent to hell, rather than heaven. "Am I then reveng'd to take him in the purging of his soul, when he is fit and season'd for his passage? No. " The way in which Hamlet acts at this time, is exactly the way Polonius would have thought he would. The Humorous nature of the insult would immediately show the audience the relationship Hamlet has, and is to have, with Polonius. Laertes swears his revenge more clearly, and equally as bitter as Hamlet does. "How does my good lord Hamlet?"Ham. During the prayer scene (Act III, Scene III) Hamlet is presented with a perfect opportunity to gain his revenge. "To this point I stand, that both worlds I give to negligence, let come what comes, only I'll be revenge'd most throughly for my father". He allows him self to think himself out of the situation. By being aloud to see Hamlet interacting with Gertrude and Claudius before his meeting with the ghost, Shakespeare gives the audience the perspective of Hamlet before and after. However, at this point he is wearing black, a clear sign of disrespect at a wedding, although it could be said it is more so disrespectful to have a wedding so close to a funeral.
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