The tragic hero Hamlet definitely fits the role as an instrument of the suffering of others. But this is mostly due to his own anguish that led to his continual spreading of this suffering. There were many reasons for Hamlet's suffering and many reasons why that suffering spread, mostly were parts of his vengeful scheme. Hamlet "the great tree struck by lightning" suffered immensely throughout the play. He was murdered of his father, robbed of his throne and his mother was amidst an incestuous relationship with his uncle that was the cause of it all.
             Hamlet first begins to act as the instrument of suffering when he kills Polonius in an enraged state thinking that he was Claudius. This made Polonius suffer but also began the suffering of Ophelia, and Laertes. After the death of her father Ophelia began went mad, and ended with her demise. This again not only made Ophelia suffer, but increased the suffering of Laertes who mourned for his poor beloved sister and also for Hamlet who loved Ophelia dearly. Laertes in an infuriated manner plots to kill Hamlet but is unsuccessful when the tables turned and instead Hamlet being the instrument of suffering that he is kills Laertes during their duel. Hamlet also creates indirectly suffering for his mother when she drinks the poison that was meant for him. Finally to achieve his revenge and end the suffering of all Hamlet kill Claudius the source of all his problems, but instead of living to enjoy it he himself dies.
             The suffering that Hamlet brought upon others is a contribution to the tragic vision to the work as a whole. If Hamlet did not bring upon suffering he would not be considered a tragic hero and the play would not be a tragedy, so essentially all the suffering is necessary to fulfill the characteristics of a tragedy.
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