Hamlet

Throughout, the idea of death is closely linked to the themes of truth, and uncertainty in that death may bring the answers to Hamlet's deepest questions, ending once and for all the problem of trying to determine truth in a cruel world. When Hamlet finds out of the murder of his father, he is overwhelmed with intense feelings of revenge. When the ghost of his father tells him how his brother was a murderer, he is compelled to take action to avenge the death of his father. Hamlet's anger is directly focused on Claudius. His uncle has committed two crimes of which Hamlet is disgusted by, one, the murder of his father, and two, and the incestuous marriage to his mother. Hamlet is determined to avenge his father's death at the hands of his uncle at any cost. He even says to his confidant Horatio, "Give me that man that is not passion's slave and I will wear him in my heart's core"(III.ii.68-69). In this quote he is referring to how they will observe Claudius" actions when he sees the play within-the-play to see if his conscience takes control, which it does. Hamlet's plan was to act out the death of old King Hamlet in front of Claudius. Claudius stands up and leaves during the death scene, giving Hamlet the proof he needs for his guilt. .
             Hamlet shows feelings of confusion and uncertainty when faced with the dilemma of what action to take. He has his chance to kill Claudius when they are alone in the chamber, but Hamlet hesitates on doing so because Claudius is "praying" and will go to heaven because he has repented his sins. The reader knows the truth that Claudius is not praying and in fact as he states "My words fly up, my thoughts remain below: Words without thoughts never to heaven go"(III.iii.98-99). Hamlet combines sensitivity and perceptiveness with a degree of moral strength, which forces him to act morally in an essentially immoral world. Hamlet delays killing the King for the simple reason that killing a human being in cold blood is a morally repulsive action.