Why does Hamlet delay in avenging his father's death?

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Why does Hamlet delay in avenging his father's death? George Harisis.

The tragic play 'Hamlet' by William Shakespeare, tells the story of the enigmatic Prince Hamlet who is set the task of avenging the murder of his father at the hand of his uncle, King Claudius. Though it is clear that Hamlet harbours deep resentment towards his uncle and is eventually certain of his mission, Hamlet is seen to consistently delay in completing his task for various reasons. Whether it is because Hamlet is a fundamentally pensive character who always thinks before he acts or because he is crippled by his intelligence and moral scruples, it can be argued that Hamlet's prolonged tarry results in his eventual destruction.

Near the beginning of the play, Hamlet is confronted by an apparition who claims to be the ghost of his dead father, the old King. The sprit explains the details by which Claudius murdered him and how it is now in purgatory until its death is avenged and old Hamlet's honour is restored. However, having been set the task of killing the new king, Hamlet is unsure whether the ghost is in fact the spirit of his dead father