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Human Nature - Hamlet - College Essay

Human Nature - Hamlet

Human Nature-Hamlet

The play, Hamlet, by William Shakespeare, shows human nature to be greedy, self-involved and vengeful. Claudius is driven by his greed to commit murder. Polonius is always looking out for himself, currying favor at the expense of anyone in his way. Hamlet thinks only of vengeance from the moment he finds out about Claudius murdering his father. Human nature has been all of these things, but it has also evolved through the ages. We can be base and cruel, but we can also show great compassion and kindness.

Claudius kills his own brother so that he can claim the crown and the queen. He disposes of a good and noble king to satisfy his greed. He sacrifices his brother, ...

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that it is only what they deserve. It is inescapable, but we can control it to a certain degree.

Polonius characterizes the aspect of human nature that is self-concern. He is constantly looking for ways to ingratiate himself to the king. He sacrifices his own daughter's happiness so that he can prove his theories about Hamlet's madness to the king. Self-concern is another inherent trait that humans cannot escape. People are constantly thinking about themselves and how things are going to affect their lives. They care deeply for their own well being. Certainly they think about others occasionally, but their own person is always number one in their minds.

Vengefulness is yet another inexorable human trait. Hamlet's entire character is changed by his need for revenge. He starts out as a serene, learned young man but the need for vengeance twists his soul to the point where he is driven only by his need for pay back. He is drawn into intrigue and politics by his desire. ...

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Human Nature - Hamlet. (2013, December 4). Retrieved January 11, 2026, from http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Human-Nature-Hamlet/103416

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PAPER DETAILS

Added: 12/4/2013 10:33:50 PM
Submitted By: jennafink3
Category: Shakespeare
Type: Premium Paper
Words: 588
Pages: 3

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