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Why does Hamlet delay his revenge?

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  • Essay length: 1359 words
  • Submitted: 11/09/2003
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GCSE Hamlet

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Why does Hamlet delay his revenge?

There have been many reasons put forth for Hamlet's apparent delay in seeking revenge. Many believe that Hamlet does not take immediate action because Hamlet's character is one of contemplation and melancholy; not action. Because of these traits, Hamlet needs evidence and assurance that Claudius really has killed Old Hamlet. Another argument is that subconsciously Hamlet may not want to kill Claudius because of the Oedipus complex. Others however have proposed a more practical explanation: Hamlet would like to make Claudius' death more painful and ruthless than Old Hamlet's. Shakespeare could have delayed Hamlet's revenge on purpose because by delaying the revenge, he is satisfying his Elizabethan audience and categorizing 'Hamlet' as a 'tragedy'. Similarly, Hamlet's delay could be seen as a flaw and like all tragic heroes Hamlet must have a fault in order to classify him as a 'tragic hero'.

Hamlet's philosophical nature allows him to question the Ghost's existence and collect evidence before acting which delays Claudius' death. Hamlet's initial response is to trust the Ghost and act quickly when he says "Haste me to know't that I with wings as swift. May sweep to my revenge"

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