Revenge In Hamlet
"Hamlet" is perhaps William Shakespeare's most well known play and the theme of revenge is featured prominently in it. In fact, one could argue that revenge is the most important theme in this play. Not only is Hamlet seeking revenge, but also Fortinbras and later Laertes.
Many of Shakespeare's plays focus on revenge, and it shows his insight to the human condition. Human beings show an unwise desire for revenge when slandered, hurt, or they simply don't get their way. Shakespeare wisely incorporated revenge into his plays, and particularly into "Hamlet." Shakespeare's attitude towards revenge was that it made the story more interesting. Who would want to see a play about princes, kings, ...
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for revenge are, like Hamlet, to avenge his father, but also to gain back land and power that his family lost. "I have some rights, of memory in this kingdom, which now to claim my vantage doth invite me." (5.2.400-401) We see very little of Fortinbras in "Hamlet," however when he shows up at the end and is able to seize the land without much resistance, his revenge is complete. Laertes is another character who is in some way involved by revenge. He really has no need for revenge until Hamlet kills his father, and he finds out that his sister is dead. It is for this reason that he goes along with the scheme to kill Hamlet, however falters towards the end. "And yet it is almost against my conscience." (5.2.308) His last words blame Claudius; however Hamlet also dies, and thus his revenge is complete.
Of course, Hamlet's reasons for revenge have not been discussed other than in relation to Fortinbras. Hamlet seeks to revenge his father, and while he eventually kills Claudius, ...
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Revenge In Hamlet. (2011, March 24). Retrieved March 26, 2025, from http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Revenge-In-Hamlet/96759
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"Revenge In Hamlet." Essayworld.com. March 24, 2011. Accessed March 26, 2025. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Revenge-In-Hamlet/96759.
"Revenge In Hamlet." Essayworld.com. March 24, 2011. Accessed March 26, 2025. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Revenge-In-Hamlet/96759.
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