Over the ages it has become clear that Hamlet can be interpreted in many different
themes. The plays themes of honour, revenge and suicide, make it a classical revenge
tragedy. Hamlet's basic conflict with Claudius sets the main parameters for the play;
however, as the play develops, his conflict with Claudius will end up crossing paths with
Gertrude, not to mention his own 'perfect conscious.' The obstacles and disasters that
Hamlet will pursue will enable the reader to enter the mind of Shakespeare, and fully
grasp the effect of a revenge tragedy.
Upon studying Shakespear's characters in this play, we discover that Hamlet
plays a key role in the development of the revenge tragedy. With the recent death of the
king, Hamlet is dismayed at the loss of his father. However, he keeps his composure, as
he knows there is more to the story than meets the eye. His suspicions of Claudius are
confirmed when his father's ghost and tells him, " The serpent that did sting thy father's
life now wears his crown." (I, iv, 39-40) Now that Hamlet knows the truth, his emotions
are raging with anger and hostility towards Claudius. Despite Hamlet's feelings, his
intellectual wit allows him to get an upper hand on the situation. After the ghost leaves,
Hamlet swore his promise on a piece of paper,
So uncle, there you are. Now to be my word;
It is, "Adieu, adieu! remember me."
I have sworn't (I, iv, 111-113)
From here Hamlet begins to plan the murder of Claudius; however it did not come at an
easy price. Throughout the play Hamlet's 'prefects conscience' will come into play, as
well as his relationship with Gertrude. The story has slowly begun to unfold as the basic
conflict for the plot has been laid out. The hunter has now become the hunted, and thus
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