In Hamlet, Shakespeare uses revenge as a major theme present throughout the work. Revenge plays a crucial role in the development of Fortinbras, Prince of Norway, Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, and Laertes, son of Polonius. All three men seek revenge for the murder of their fathers. Revenge can be interpreted as a separate character in Hamlet. Revenge is set to overcome anyone who seeks it. Initially, after each of the murders, every son had a definite course of action to obtain vengeance. Or in Hamlet’s case the choice was to seek no vengeance. As the play unfolds, each young man approaches the desire for revenge and chooses a different path towards gaining it based on the guidance of another character in the play. Fortinbras’ good decisions and self-control, as well as, Hamlet and Laertes’ bad decisions can be attributed to the outside guidance they receive.
Because of the responsibility his father placed upon him, Hamlet is overcome with rage. Now, he not only wants to kill Claudius, but he wants to ensure that Claudius will go to hell when he is killed. In a vain attempt to slay King Claudius Hamlet inadvertently kills Polonius. Even after all the careful consideration Hamlet gave to planning his revenge he makes that deadly mistake.
When Laertes confronts Hamlet he is so blinded by rage he refuses to consider Hamlet’s apology. Laertes proceeds to fight Hamlet with his poisoned sword. During the swordfight both men are wounded. Laertes’ plan to seek revenge on Hamlet was successful, but it cost him his own life. Laertes was firm in his desire for revenge. It is definite that he would have sought revenge regardless of advice from anyone. However, he may not have died if it had not been for King Claudius’ advice. In Hamlet’s dying moment he attacks Claudius and forces him to drink the poison, which Claudius had intended to kill Hamlet. Thus, Hamlet avenged his father’s death. Unfortunately, he was dying of the wound inflicted by Laertes. As Hamlet is dying he wills his father’s land and crown to Fortinbras. Due to the guidance of King Claudius, young Fortinbras regained his father’s land without the use of violence, or death to himself.
The Essay on Hamlet Revenge Claudius Action
Hamlet's motives rally between both revenge and justice, which becomes an internal conflict which sets the pace of events throughout Shakespeares' entire play. Revenge is Hamlet's in ital goal in the pursuit for v indiction of his father's death. Hamlet is torn between sensibility and care for justice, which puts a halt in taking action against Claudius. Hamlet defeats his inner struggle by ...
The chain of events leading to the success of Fortinbras and the failure of Hamlet and Laertes was initiated by a command from someone close to them. King Claudius had an ulterior motive of saving his land, yet by telling Fortinbras’ uncle of Fortinbras’ plan to attack Denmark his uncle was able to deter his nephew’s anger. By choosing not to attack Denmark Fortinbras was able to avoid harm’s way. The ghost of Hamlet’s father caused Hamlet’s death by advising Hamlet to seek revenge. Before his encounter with his father Hamlet did not want any part in the act of revenge. In attempt to pursue his father’s wishes Hamlet kills Polonius, which causes his death. When Laertes listens to King Claudius he brings death upon both of them. Laertes did not think his sword would be used against him. In the end, the men’s fate was determined not only by their own feelings, but by the actions taken under the command of another person. For Hamlet and Laertes successful revenge led them to death. The guidance he received, as well as, inner strength surmounted Fortinbras’ need for revenge and led him to happiness.
