... "son". He wants the people to accept his reign and tries to do so by winning Hamlet over. Claudius then states, "You are the most immediate to our throne; / And with no less nobility of love / Than that which dearest father bears his son, / Do I impart toward you. For your intent / ... In going back to school in Wittenberg, / It is most retrograde to our desire" (I, ii, 109-114). Claudius reinforces that he will be Hamlet's "father" and ... "Here, thou incestuous, murd"rous, damned Dane, / Drink off this potion. Is thy union there? / Follow my mother." (V, ii, 296-298). Claudius avoide...

• Word Count: 1575
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School

... Hamlet's most significant themes is the one about revenge. Throughout the play there are three central plots for revenge. Hamlet vows revenge on his uncle, Claudius. Laertes vows revenge on Hamlet. Fortinbras vows revenge on King Hamlet. There is also another minor revenge plot during the play within a play where ... be seen as a sign of Hamlet's madness. Perhaps Hamlet's state of madness provided Hamlet with the ability he required to kill his uncle, Claudius. Hamlet's relationship with Gertrude is affected greatly by the death of King Hamlet. Hamlet obviously cannot understand why his m...

• Word Count: 2360
• Approx Pages: 9
• Grade Level: High School

... Hamlet's quest for revenge may seem only to be brought on by his love for his father, but this is not so. He is simultaneously angry with his mother, jealous of her attention to Claudius, and desperately wishing for her love. He berates her with sharp edged comments, "you are the queen, your ... brother's wife and -would it were not so- you are my mother"; but he loves her just the same. His love for her is first expressed without ... been dismissed as a stage thrill, a device to horrify, yet secure the attentions of the audience. Obviously the ghost is used to convey the information ab...

• Word Count: 2226
• Approx Pages: 9
• Grade Level: High School

... he can't seem to get over the actual death of his father and still wears black, nor the fact that his mother is married to Claudius. Claudius finally notices Hamlet who is standing in black robes of mourning for his father. He tells Hamlet that it is not normal for a man to ... toward her and decides to speak to the king. The queen thinks that Hamlet's reason for going mad was caused by her marrying his uncle, Claudius. Claudius and Gertrude are aware that Hamlet has been acting strange. Polonius tells the king that he knows the reason for Hamlet's madness; he reads them ... that he ne...

• Word Count: 2059
• Approx Pages: 8
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

... to convince himself Hamlet is responsible for as well. With all this Laertes makes it clear to everyone that he wants to kill Hamlet. Quickly Claudius is able to cultivate this rage into a planned murder. It seems Cluadius conveniently and consistently is able to take these vengeances and point them into ... of his liking. That is all accept one. Because Hamlet keeps to himself, and "holds thy tongue" setting him apart from Laertes and Fortinbras, Claudius is unable to manipulate the situation. One reason Hamlet is so different from the other two characters could have to do with the diff...

• Word Count: 1894
• Approx Pages: 8
• Grade Level: High School

... times in the play, whether it is grief, hate, or love. Hamlet appears lost in a blanket of emotions that overrule his ability to think clearly. In all of his pent up anger at himself, his mother, Claudius, and everything that is "rank and gross in nature-, Hamlet ... happens to drink the poisoned wine and dies. These fortunate events finally give Hamlet enough incentive to follow through with his plan of murdering Claudius, and of fulfilling the ghost's wish. These irrational events are the most powerful and influential forces in the play. The theme of irrationality ... in the value of ...

• Word Count: 1742
• Approx Pages: 7
• Grade Level: High School

... only become more and more mentally deranged as the months pass by, and sees his offending behaviour beginning to disturb even the patience of Claudius, her happiness starts to wither. She hopes that Rosencrantz and Guildenstern will be able to bring him out of his depression ("...And I ... spirits rise for a moment when she sees Hamlet's excited involvement with the play and his attentions to Ophelia, but then they immediately drop as Claudius rises from the performance in anguish. Finally she is pushed by Polonius to do the one thing that she has avoided for all these months: to ... ,...

• Word Count: 1861
• Approx Pages: 7
• Grade Level: High School

... frightens his mother and treats her as if she were almost as loathsome as Claudius to him. The audience certainly doesn't see Gertrude as woman who truly loved her first husband, but her love for Claudius does not seem to warrant the hate Hamlet expresses in this scene. We see ... and crowds are gathered onstage. Hamlet apologizes for wronging Laertes in his madness, and Laertes superficially accepts his repentance. As the duel commences, King Claudius toasts to Hamlet with wine and secretly prepares a poisoned chalice which is meant to kill hamlet is Laertes fails to slay him. Hamlet beg...

• Word Count: 1476
• Approx Pages: 6
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

... the movie, I do not recall the Act this quote occurred in.) Hamlet's words are directed towards his widowed mother and his her new husband Claudius. Their action of marriage during this difficult time in Prince Hamlet's life is very disheartening to him. But with strategically worded quotes like this, the ... the ghost, it speaks to him, declaring ominously that it is indeed his father's spirit, and the ghost concludes that he was killed by Claudius. The ghost recommends to Hamlet to seek revenge. This is the conflict or the problem in the play. Prince Hamlet must decide to seek ... occ...

• Word Count: 1576
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School

... famous plays from Shakespeare. In this story, three sons were seeking to avenge their father. First of all, Hamlet tried to avenge on King Claudius because his uncle, Clauduis, poisoned his father and claimed the throne. Secondly, Laertes, who was the son of Polonius, wanted to revenge on ... sole son, do this same villain send to heaven. Why, this is and , not revenge- (3 3 79-84). Hamlet thought if he killed Claudius now, Claudius might go to heaven. In fact, Hamlet wanted to send his uncle to hell. He concluded that, When he is drunk asleep, or in his rage ... with all their quantity...

• Word Count: 1426
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School

... by their actions, what they say and what others say about them. The most revengeful characters in the play are Hamlet, the Ghost of King Hamlet, King Claudius and Laertes. Hamlet, the prince of Denmark, is very disturbed by his father's death and his mother's quick marriage to his uncle. Hamlet feels that, " ... enemy, the king, states "He hath killed my king, and whored my mother,Popped in between th" election and my hopes,"(i.: v.: 975). The devious King Claudius plans to kill Hamlet anyway that he can. When his first attempt fails, he manipulates Laertes to have him help. The king bol...

• Word Count: 1335
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• Grade Level: High School

... mother. Superficially, his quest for revenge may seem only to be brought on by his love for his father, but this is not so. He is simultaneously angry with his mother, jealous of her attention to Claudius, and desperately wishing for her love. Scolding, "you are the queen, your husband's brother's wife; and -would it ... instead of returning to college simply because she asks him to. Hamlet's strong love for his mother is a cause for the events in the end of the play. It is not evident whether Hamlet would or would not have killed Claudius that day if his mother hadn't died, but whateve...

• Word Count: 1273
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

... mother. Superficially, his quest for revenge may seem only to be brought on by his love for his father, but this is not so. He is simultaneously angry with his mother, jealous of her attention to Claudius, and desperately wishing for her love. Scolding, "you are the queen, your husband's brother's wife; and -would it ... instead of returning to college simply because she asks him to. Hamlet's strong love for his mother is a cause for the events in the end of the play. It is not evident whether Hamlet would or would not have killed Claudius that day if his mother hadn't died, but whateve...

• Word Count: 1274
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

... as it makes his own revenge harder to achieve. Another consequence is Hamlet is sent to England by the Claudius's orders. Making revenge seemingly impossible now that Hamlet and Claudius are to be in two different countries. Polonis's murder also drives away Hamlets love, Ophelia. She does not understand how or why Hamlet could do such a thing. Ophelia's confusion pushes her to commit ... suicide; thus providing Laertes with another motive. Ending the scene Hamlet confesses that he is aware of Claudius's plot to dress assassins as Hamlets friends by stating: "There's letter seal ... fe...

• Word Count: 1332
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• Grade Level: High School

... he has for his mother. This is best portrayed when he is shattered by his mother's repugnant decision to marry Claudius so soon after her husband's death. Gertrude's decision is not entirely based on love, rather the need for a dictator. Hamlet, in his soliloquy, says, "With which she followed my poor father ... Hamlet is angry and disgusted with his mother, as well as jealous of the attention Claudius receives and desperately desires her love. However, because women act as tools, Claudius uses her to devastate Hamlet. As a woman in the play she allows Claudius to instill his views in her...

• Word Count: 1456
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• Grade Level: High School

... Claudius is praying. This is very typical of Hamlet. He has resolved to avenge his father's "foul and most unnatural murder- (I.v.25), but before committing the defining act, he pauses in thought. After the visit from his father's ghost, Hamlet vows to take immediate and vengeful action. "I with wings as swift As meditation or the thoughts of love ... Lines 348-351) These hardly sound like the dying wishes of a madman. He realizes that he won't be able to take the throne, and that Claudius and Gertrude are both dead. It is his duty to ensure stability and order for his nation. The fact th...

• Word Count: 1991
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• Grade Level: High School

... descriptions of death, disease, and decay. These images allow the reader to grasp the "rottenness" of Denmark and the inner turmoil Hamlet and Claudius face. The images of death and disease appear continually throughout the play. Hamlet, the protagonist, is surround by disease. Yet he is oblivious ... . Though morally depraved, his honesty in the face of reason leaves Claudius a semi-likable character. Claudius is also a gifted orator and treats his new Queen, "The imperial jointress to this warlike state" (Iii9), with love and respect. Still Claudius is unsure of his seat as King, he r...

• Word Count: 1544
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• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

... is a tragedy concerned with tension and anxiety until the end of the play. The world of searches, judgement, revenge, love, death, and other themes are very well developed. Although it is important to highlight that revenge is the central theme. ... crown." (Act I, scene V, page 41, l.37-39) A Company of players arrives at the castle. Hamlet hoping to assure himself of the guilt of Claudius, arranges for them to perform The Murder of Gonzalo, which he alters to fit more nearly the circumstances of his father's death. He becomes convinced of the ... confessed recently and clearly thems...

• Word Count: 1643
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... of us, by strong hand and terms compulsatory, those foresaid lands So by his father lost - -- (I.i.95-104) In anticipation of the attack, Claudius sends Cornelius and Voltimand, his courtiers, to Fortinbras' uncle to talk to young Fortinbras about his vengeful quest. Thus, Fortinbras is dissuaded from attacking Denmark, ... i' the church- (IV.vii.127). This being an unthinkable crime in itself it shows Laertes' willingness to do anything to avenge his father. So Claudius suggests a duel with Hamlet and, if left here, his honour would still hold merit. It is not, however, and Laertes sug...

• Word Count: 2387
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• Grade Level: High School

... The main character, Prince Hamlet, son of Old Hamlet who was recently murdered is contemplating whether or not to avenge his father's death and kill Claudius who is now king and also his uncle and the murderer. The whole play evokes a terrible tragic end in which everyone is slain. Foil characters ... killed. However, unlike Hamlet, he has an unstable temper and is quick to act without thought. He wants to start a war against Denmark however Claudius cunningly convinces him to start a war against Poland. The land that Fortinbras is about to take is small and unprofitable. The earth is v...

• Word Count: 1548
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• Grade Level: High School

... to Hamlet. Perhaps Shakespeare made them similar to provide a greater base for comparison when they avenge their respective father's deaths. Hamlet and Laertes both love Ophelia. Hamlet wants Ophelia to be his wife and Laertes loves Ophelia as a sister. Hamlet is a student at Wittenberg, and Laertes is a ... the Castle Elsinore in response to Polonius" death and quick burial which served as a catalyst. He is suspicious, which is evident from his speech to Claudius. "How came he dead? I"ll not be juggled with. To Hell, Allegiance; Vows to the blackest Devil; Conscience and Grace, to the ....

• Word Count: 1938
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• Grade Level: High School

... a high position. He is extremely offensive to people, such as the King and Queen. An immature, mouthy, extremist is an inability to love maturely, and rudeness towards authority. Those are just a few of the things that he shares with today's youth. It is to my belief ... They both display impulsive reactions and rash behavior often acting emotionally rather than rationally. Laertes consumed with rage automatically thrusts out attempting to kill Claudius assuming him as his father's killer. Both of their careless actions are provoked by fury and frustration. Sudden anger prompts them to ...

• Word Count: 1486
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• Grade Level: High School

... if Hamlet ever loved his father, he will "Revenge his foul and most unnatural murder" (I.v.25). Hamlet "swears" his duty to prove his loyalty and love. He tells the Ghost to tell the story of the murder, and the revenge will follow: "Haste me to know't, that I, with wings as swift ... / As meditation or the thoughts of love, / May sweep to my revenge" (I.v.29-31). Yet the ghost adds one specification, he tells Hamlet not to cause harm to his mother, telling him ... waits and confronts Ophelia, which adds complication to his mission as she confides in her father, the conniving Polonius....

• Word Count: 1975
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• Grade Level: High School

... will never lose importance is because of the incestuous relationship between Hamlet's mother, Queen Gertrude, and uncle, King Claudius. Even in Elizabethan times, Hamlet was disturbed by his mother's quickly new found love. In scene II of the first act, Hamlet's disgust with his mother's incestuous relationship and pain over his ... of her husband, the King. There would be endless rumors and problems arising from such a relationship, so the rest of the government would never allow Claudius to become King. Since this play is staged four hundred years ago, such modern inconveniences, like...

• Word Count: 1494
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• Grade Level: High School

... finally kills the king, so I do not think Hamlet lacks courage. Does he lack cause? No, a throne stolen, a father killed, and a mother's love displaced all caused by one man. Perhaps he feels the need to bring the King to public justice, so that his killing of the King will be legal ... and willing to have a new king (Act 4, scene 5). For another, social contract, if looked at one way, provides the means for Hamlet to kill Claudius because Hamlet has a responsibility to the people as a Prince, to make sure that they are ruled by a fair, just, and righteous leader. And the ... Death of ...

• Word Count: 1334
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School