Hamlet

At least I am sure it may be so in Denmark. So uncle, there you are, now to my word, "Adieu, adieu, remember me- I have sworn't."" (Act 1, Scene 5, lines 106-112) Hamlet makes it obvious from the discovery of treachery that he has intentions of revenging his father's death. He does not block himself into a time frame, he simply states that the deed will be done and his uncle will suffer.
             Hamlet's fazade of insanity could be viewed as one of the most ingenious plots in Shakespeare's writing career. His falseness does not, however, equal cowardliness. It is a move of guile and cunning. If all the people of the castle doubt his sanity, he is free to move about and snoop and spy, and no one will question his strange actions. Part of Hamlet's revenge is that it be worse and more complete than the death of his father. Therefore, it is necessary for him to plan and work out all of the possibilities, find out all the truths. One could possibly argue that Hamlet is a coward and he is putting off killing his uncle, but this is not the case. Hamlet's plan to kill Claudius is well thought out, and not the work of a madman or a coward. For example, Hamlet is given a prime opportunity to kill Claudius when he is praying. Upon entering the church, Hamlet knows he could very easily take his revenge upon his uncle right then and there. However, since Claudius is in the act of praying, Hamlet fears his soul can seek redemption and be pardoned from Hell. This is a valid fear if you consider the time period in which the story takes place. In actuality, this further proves Hamlet's vengeful intentions and nature by showing that he wants Claudius to die in the worst way possible.
             Some critics of Hamlet would argue that he does not have the heart or guts to kill. Hamlet's actions regarding Polonius totally and completely rebut this argument. Hamlet's murder of Polonius is accidental because he thinks that it is Claudius, spying on the conversation he is having with his mother.