Revenge And Betrayal In Hamlet - 1531 Words

The play, Hamlet by William Shakespeare, surrounds the central idea of revenge and betrayal. Revenge drives the characters and determines their actions throughout the play, which results in several instances of betrayal. With revenge, the friendship and loyalty of characters are tested and conflicts are established between characters. Hamlet’s father, the king of Denmark, was helplessly poisoned by his own brother, Claudius. Hamlet, the protagonist, becomes aware of his father’s death and finds himself seeking revenge and starting a cycle of hatred. Hamlet embarks on his journey for revenge by displaying an act of craziness. Throughout the play, there were several moments where Hamlet’s actions caused confusion and made it difficult for†¦show more content†¦In addition to his physical appearance, Hamlet’s actions and speeches are crucial evidence to determine how Hamlet is becoming crazy. In his first encounter with the ghost, Hamlet does not ques tion the nature of the ghost and obediently follows it. â€Å"It waves me forth again. I’ll follow it† (1.4.67-68). This example hints at the idea that Hamlet has become slightly crazy because a typical person would not pursue a ghost to the extent as seen with Hamlet. In Hamlet’s second soliloquy, he states that he will remember what the ghost told him and vow to take revenge on Claudius and Gertrude (1.5.92-112). Hamlet listening to a ghost and vowing to take revenge based solely on what the ghost told him hints at his slowly, yet increasing crazy attitude. Moreover, Hamlet’s madness starts to emerge after learning about his father’s death as his desire for revenge blinds him. Hamlet’s beliefs and thoughts are factors that should be considered when it comes to measuring how crazy he has become. In lines 121 and 122 of scene 1 of act 3, Hamlet states to Ophelia, â€Å"Get thee to the nunnery! Why wouldst thou be a breeder of sinners?† Hamlet expresses his strong belief at how women give birth to sinners and that sending them to the nunnery is the only method to prevent them from any more breedings of sinners. His strong desire for revenge has overwhelmed him so much that he has become somewhat crazy in the way that he is criticizing the innocent person and not theShow MoreRelatedRevenge By William Shakespeare s Hamlet1625 Words   |  7 PagesRevenge can be defined as â€Å"the act of retaliating for wrongs received†. William Shakespeare s â€Å"Hamlet† is considered one of his greatest plays and the plot is centered on revenge. Euripides Medea also shares a theme of revenge. While both central characters have been betrayed, resulting in their impending revenge, there is more than one theme of revenge in Hamlet, and there are differences in the ways all decide to handle their betrayals and the outcomes of their actions. 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