Claudius: A Villain or Victim of His Actions?
Of all the characters in Shakespeare’s Hamlet the role of Claudius seems to be the most intriguing and crucial role in this tragedy. Claudius is the most controversial, the most mysterious and the most talked about character in this play. Many people look at Claudius and only see a villain, but there are additional sides to him that are often overlooked: Claudius as a father, a husband, a ruler and as a mortal individual. In this play the characters are not super-human they make mistakes just like any existing person, Claudius isn’t an exception whatsoever, but his mistakes only make him look more human.Claudius, as a father is very recognizable in Scene 2 of Act 1. He states to Hamlet, starting at Line 108 “…think of us as of a father: for let the world take note, you are the most immediate to our throne, and with no less nobility of love that that which dearest father bears his son do I impart toward you.” Hamlet is “Our chiefest courtier, cousin and our son.” (Line 118) Here Claudius is speaking to Hamlet and saying that he is loved and accepted even since he is not Claudius’ biological son. Claudius seems to have no trouble speaking to his son Hamlet in front of a crowd. However when the two are alone, Claudius is at a loss . . .
He has emotions, he makes mistakes and he goes through trials. He in fact, remains a strong and solid character throughout the play, who’s presence can be felt in every action that Hamlet makes. His heart is heavy and black from all the sin he has committed. Claudius was not born a villain, but due to his actions and the kingdom’s reactions, he became a murderous creature. It could be that the King feels so guilty about murdering King Hamlet that he is unable to speak to Hamlet in private, because of the fear of his true nature emerging from the depths of his heart. ” Claudius also carries out his plans for murder, but both plots turn out differently than one would expect. For these two men are in fact murderers, conspirators and liars, but they also are passionate men. Along the same lines, Claudius is also a great and sovereign ruler. The only breakdown he made was during the play, which eventually led to the downfall of his kingdom and the deaths of innocent people. ) Claudius realized that a war at the beginning of his rule would not look good, especially since there had been the thought of “incest” going around. The “climax” also revolves around the character of Claudius; if he had not been on his knees asking God for forgiveness, he would have been murdered. Claudius, despite being the alleged “bad guy”, has many similar qualities in which Hamlet the “tragic hero” possesses. Claudius has a very significant role in this play as well. Due to all the extenuating circumstances that Claudius faced, he emerged with a desire, a desire and a passion for revenge. He informed Fortinbras that a letter was going to be sent to the King of Norway telling him “…to suppress his (Fortinbras) further gait herein.
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