Hamlet and the Issue of Revenge in William Shakespeares Play

Hamlet and the Issue of Revenge in William Shakespeares Play The question of why Hamlet does not immediately avenge his fathers death is perhaps one of the most perplexing problems faced by an audience. Each generation of viewers has come up with its own explanation, and it has now become the most widely known critical problem in Shakespearean studies. A rather simplistic, yet valid standpoint to take on this problem is that it was essential to the tragedys narrative progression. As Hanmer said had he gone naturally to work, there would have been an end to our play!. Shakespeare, then, is faced with a problem - Hamlet must delay his revenge, and he has to come up with reasons why. The†¦show more content†¦By doing this Hamlet hopes to receive a negative reception from the King, thus revealing the ugly burden on his conscience. The play, in depicting the Kings guilt, does have a certain degree of success. His wish for the lights to come on and his order of Away! certainly suggest he was not feeling altogether comfortable in the situati on, but there of course could have been a number of reasons for his minor distress. For Hamlet however it is sufficient, for in later conversation with Horatio he says, Ill take the ghosts word for a thousand pound! Hamlet has now secured in his mind that the Ghost was telling the truth, and so can have no doubt that revenge is what Claudius deserves. His delay however does not subside, so what can be his reason now? Much of his hesitation it seems comes as a result of his own self-doubt. He feels he lacks the powerful warrior image; the one which his Father and so many more do possess. In this respect feelings of inferiority paralyse him to take any action. One can see, in Hamlets first soliloquy how insignificant he feels compared to his father when he says no more like my father/Than I to Hercules. These feelings also apply to figures such as Fortinbras, the prince of Norway, who in his effort to regain his Fathers lost land, leads an army of mass and charge. These actions of vengeance are onesShow MoreRelatedWilliam Shakespeare s Hamlet - Longing For Revenge1304 Words   |  6 PagesLonging for Revenge William Shakespeare was born in England in April of 1564 and was an English poet and playwright . Shakespeare is universally known as the greatest writer in the English language. Shakespeare frequently produced tragedies that are continuously acted out today, along with many plays and sonnets.. Although Shakespeare is seen today as a great writer who changed the world, his reputation did not rise to these heights until around the 19th century. In all of Shakespeare’s astoundingRead MoreEmily Bronte s Hamlet And Wuthering Heights 1307 Words   |  6 PagesRevenge in Hamlet and Wuthering Heights Abstract This concise paper is an analogical study. It consists of three parts; the first one defines the word revenge and explains where the theme of revenge comes from and how it has expended to other types of literary works until these days. The second part of the study, is supported by exemplifies Shakespeare’s tragedy, Hamlet. The last part of the paper, provides Emily Brontà «Ã¢â‚¬â„¢s novel, Wuthering Heights as a good example; because one of the main themesRead MoreCause and Effect Hamlet Essay902 Words   |  4 PagesCause and Effect Hamlet Essay William Shakespeare, arguably the greatest language in the English language and England’s national poet, has written numerous histories, tragedies, comedies and poems. Throughout his plays, his use of dramatic irony, immaculate word choice and wording, and his vast imagination has made him a successful playwright even in his time. Shakespeare’s scripts for his theatrical company, needed to pertain to the needs and fascinations of the Elizabethan audience. It is safeRead MoreFriendship And Relationships In Hamlet919 Words   |  4 Pagesreason to read a novel in school is not so much for the fun of reading, but for the lessons learned. William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, is not considered a classic without good reason. The play touches upon a wide variety of topics, teaching the reader a great deal about life. Shakespeare provides wonderful insight into everything from friendships to death. Of all the stories taught in British Literature, Hamlet is certainly the most important piece to keep due to the lessons in presents. It is definitelyRead MoreHamlets Fatal Flaw Essay688 Words   |  3 PagesShakespeare’s Hamlet is an interesting play in many ways. The character Hamlet is particularly intriguing in regards to his fatal flaw. Hamlet’s fatal flaw is a specific trait that forces him to postpone killing the king and it is this trait that drives Hamlet mad (Shakespeare 1.4.23-38). This Shakespearean tragedy is open to many interpretations of Hamlet’s fatal flaw. Two recent film productions of the play, Kenneth Branaugh’s Hamlet and the Zeffirelli’s Hamlet, each show a different fatal flawRead MoreThe Human Condition and Ideologies in Hamlet by Willliam Shakespeare1522 Words   |  7 Pages Hamlet Texts reflect their context and paradigms but transcendental texts that explore aspects of humanity can resonate through time and remain relevant and accessible to audiences. William Shakespeare’s introspective play, Hamlet, explores the complexity of the human condition by reflecting ideologies such as justice, loyalty and morality. Although these deeply human ideas ensure the plays resonance, they are somewhat secondary to the depths of Hamlet’s human struggle. These thematic concernsRead MoreRevenge Is A Dish Best Served Cold Essay1527 Words   |  7 PagesAuthor Pierre Choderlos writes, â€Å"revenge is a dish best served cold.† This quote is renown for its popularity across the centuries, often used as a proverbial description of the idea of revenge. Vengeance itself is a popular issue of morality, discussed and portrayed in a multitude of manners throughout literature, film, and live theater. Two playwrights that tackle the matter of revenge are Zeami Moto kiyo and the famous William Shakespeare. Motokiyo’s play Astumori takes quite an artistic approachRead MoreHamlet1304 Words   |  6 Pagest With underlying themes of revenge, incest, and suicide, William Shakespeare’s Hamlet was remembered by many Elizabethan Era viewers as both a philosophical and oft-debated masterpiece (Dickson). These controversial themes attracted viewers everywhere, enticing them to see the play. One scene in particular from the original text of the play where this proves true is act IV, scene iv, lines 31-65, in which the titular character Hamlet decides that the time for revenge is at hand in an insightfulRead MoreCommon Themes In The Tragedy Of Hamlet By William Shakespeare1071 Words   |  5 PagesWilliam Shakespeare tends to focus on a common theme throughout his many works. He uses characters to show the flaws in humans and as society .   In   Shakespeares classic play The Tragedy of Hamlet, the main character, Hamlet is shown with wanting revenge on his mother and uncle after his father’s death.  Ã‚  Ã‚   In this play Hamlet feels the need avenge his father, as well as dealing with being â€Å"mad†. In his mantle break he murders the father of his love, Ophelia, and her brother. The theme of revengeRead More Hamlet and Trifles: Aspects of the Past Relevant to the Present1966 Words   |  8 PagesHamlet and Trifles: Aspects of the Past Relevant to the Present The Elizabethan Era under the rule of Queen Elizabeth I in England not only produced an expansion of growth in the suburbs and a more unified nation, but also introduced the world’s most famous playwright of all times, William Shakespeare. During this period of greatest artistic achievement, Shakespeare, who produced about thirty- seven plays as well as many other great works, created what is considered his greatest achievement