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In William Shakespeare's play Hamlet, the concept of cultural identity is explored through Hamlet's isolation which is created by the conflict between his duty to his father, and his duties to the monarchy and society. Hamlet is isolated from his society due to his turbulent emotions which result from his indecision on how to respond to his father's murder. Hamlet's duty as a son is to avenge his father's death and he would be supported in his actions by society if the murderer was believed to be guilty. Hamlet's duty as a citizen and a Prince is to protect the King and to ensure stability in the monarchy. In order for Hamlet to revenge his father he would have to kill the King which creates a conflict between his two primary duties. Because of this, Hamlet finds it difficult to decide how to proceed and which duty takes precedence, and Hamlet decides to gather evidence as proof of Claudius' guilt so that his revenge is justified to society and to himself. The 'unholiness' of murdering a king who is also a close relative is highlighted by Claudius and this allows the audience to better understand the conflic

And after we will both our judgements join

More relative than this, The play's the thing

Hamlet's isolation occurs in this play because of his constantly changing emotions, which are caused, among other things, by his conflicting duties. Hamlet's uncertainty of how to proceed after his encounter with the ghost provides the basis of the cause of his turbulent emotions. Frequently in the play Hamlet feels depressed about his previous inaction in not obeying the ghost's "commandment". Because of his conflicting duties Hamlet is uncertain how to proceed with the immediate future and his emotional turmoil does nothing to boost his confidence and self-respect. The social expectations of him in his role as a noble son and his role as a worthy Prince cause Hamlet to feel turbulent emotions throughout the play. His indecision causes him to withdraw from society because of how he tries to come to terms with the situation. On one hand his adoption of an antic disposition creates an impression of him being mad and therefore he is isolated from society, and on the other hand the confusion he feels results in him withdrawing so as to not show his shame and anger to others. The differing values which he upholds and which society expects him to uphold lead to his isolation and eventual death which is a result of his futile attempt to achieve revenge in a manner with which he is comfortable.

Hamlet: I'll wipe away all trivial fond records,

Unmixed with baser matter. (I.5.99-104)

In William Shakespeare¡¦s play Hamlet, cultural identity is explored through Hamlet¡¦s isolation which results from the indecision he feels. Hamlet¡¦s indecision results from his conflicting duties as a son and as a Prince and citizen. His duty as a son is to avenge his father¡¦s murder and kill Claudius, but his duty as a Prince and a citizen is to protect the King and ensure stability in the monarchy. In order for Hamlet¡¦s revenge to be justified to society and to himself, Claudius¡¦ guilt must be proven. Hamlet decides to attempt to gather evidence against Claudius so that Hamlet¡¦s actions are regarded as being honourable, and so that he can come to terms with his revenge. The ¡¥unholiness¡¦ of killing a king and a close relative is highlighted by Claudius when he reflects on his own crime of killing King Hamlet. Through this, a deeper understanding of the conflict facing Hamlet and of his turbulent emotions occurs. Hamlet dies at the end, fulfilling his duty as a son and his duty to society, by purging the corrupt from the monarchy and avenging his father¡¦s death.

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