The Reluctance of Hamlet toward Killing Essay - 1190 Words

The Reluctance of Hamlet toward Killing in William Shakespeares Hamlet The reluctant character Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, has become one of the most cited characters in history. Throughout Shakespeares play Hamlet knows what he must do, but avoids it in his mind. The problem is: why does hamlet delay in avenging his fathers death? Hamlet is afraid. He is afraid of failure. Hamlet tries to play off his fear by blaming outside circumstances, like doubting the existence of the ghost when he knows in his heart it is true, and not having the right opportunity to exact revenge. What it all boils down to is a belief in himself, or lack of, that is a lack of self confidence. Hamlets excuse of doubting the ghost is displayed in†¦show more content†¦Hamlet knows the ghost is the ghost of his father, and is afraid to admit it. Hamlet tries to cover his fear of revenge up by acting as if he doubts the existence of the ghost. Another way Hamlet covers up his fear is by blaming the wait to kill Claudius on his lack of perfect opportunity. Once Hamle t believes that Claudius is truly the murderer he says, And now Ill dot./ And so he goes to heaven,/ and so I am revenged./ That would be scanned: A villain kills my father, and for that./ I, his sole sun, do this same villain send,/ to heaven. (Act 3, Sc. 3, ln 78-83)(167) Hamlet can kill Claudius as soon as he chooses, but decides to wait to kill him and blames this on ensuring that Claudiuss murder is valid and that he will not be elevated as a martyr or a victim. This is not necessary, Claudius death must come and waiting is cowardly. Hamlet was ready to kill Claudius at one time, but Claudius was busy praying, and Hamlet says, when he is drunk asleep, or in his rage,/ Or in th incestuous pleasure of his bed,/ At game a-swearing, or about some act. That has no relish of salvation int-/ Then trip him, that his heels may kick at heaven/ And that his soul may be as damned and black/ As hell, whereto it goes. (Act 3, Sc. 3, ln. 94-100)(169) Hamlet is given a perfect opportu nity to revenge his fathers death while Claudius is praying, but Hamlet decides against it. Yet another display of his cowardliness. Hamlet has theShow MoreRelatedHamlet and Horatio Best Friends for Life: an Analysis of Hamlet941 Words   |  4 Pages Hamlet and Horatio Best Friends for Life: an Analysis of Hamlet In Hamlet, two characters I believe to be important are Hamlet and his friend, Horatio. Horatio is the second most important character in the play. Horatio is Hamlet’s best friend and advisor. Horatio never keeps anything from Hamlet. In Act one, scene one; Horatio, Bernardo, and Marcellus see the ghost of king Hamlet who was killed by his brother, Claudius. 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