Claudius and Hamlet - Foil Characters
Of all the characters in Shakespeare's Hamlet I find the role of Claudius to be the most crucial role in this tragedy. Many people look at Claudius and only see a villain, but there are additional sides to him that may be overlooked; the father, the husband, the ruler and the mortal individual. Claudius, the father is very recognizable in Act 1 Scene 2. He states to Hamlet "...think of us as you would a father. Let the world take note: you are next in succession to the throne and, with a love no less profound than that which a devoted father bears towards his son, I shall deal liberally with you." Hamlet is "the highest-ranking member of our court, our kinsman, and our son." Here Claudius is speaking to Hamlet and saying that he is loved and accepted even since he is not Claudius' natural son. Claudius seems to have no trouble speaking to his son Hamlet in front of a crowd; however I imagine when the two men are alone, Claudius is at a loss for words and cannot figure out what to say, or when to say it. It could be that the King feels so guilty about murdering King Hamlet that he is unable to speak to Hamlet in private, for fear of his true self emerging. The new King is also a proven tactician. When young Fortinbras came to deman
Beside what we do not know about the husband in Claudius, we can be sure that he did treat Gertrude with respect and dignity or she would not have stayed with him, or even married him in the first place. d the surrender of those lands lost by his father to King Hamlet, Claudius handled the matter with ease and grace. This is what I see to be the best example of how Claudius is able to emphasize Hamlet's qualities. This character basically ruined a great nation to satisfy his greed and obtain the control he wanted. Now knowing Hamlet to be an intelligent person, one is left wondering why he falls into such a simple trap. Just as I had compared Claudius and Hamlet earlier, I do so now to say that Claudius knew that Hamlet would take the bait. Claudius also caused the murder of Gertrude, Hamlet and of himself. Claudius had the need to always be in control, but he could not control Hamlet. " and this is ironically funny that he is speaking of grief, especially since he is not grieving. They both possess a quality to love and cherish Gertrude in a unique and special way. " This quote shows how Claudius' heart has changed since he murdered. The King is also a villain, a murderer, a conspirator and a liar. His heart is "black" from what he has done.
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