In what ways, and how effectively, do you think Shakespeare presents the theme of revenge in Hamlet?

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Richard Gregory

“In what ways, and how effectively, do you think Shakespeare presents the theme of revenge in Hamlet?”

“Hamlet” contains particular elements which categorise it as a revenge tragedy, a popular genre in late 1500’s and early 1600’s. Revenge tragedies often comprise of certain characters who are appointed to pursue vengeance against a particular person. In addition, there is frequently a central plot, for example Hamlet’s revenge on Claudius for his father’s death, and minor sub plots; Laertes’ revenge on Hamlet and Fortinbras’ attempt to regain the lands his father lost. Revenge tragedies often incorporate similar plot lines, which are usually relatively simple, and they regularly contain similar features, such as a ghost, a hesitating revenger, a villain and concepts of madness, all of which are featured in “Hamlet.” Although the play is much more complex than a stereotypical revenge tragedy, one of the central themes is revenge, and Shakespeare portrays this through three entirely different characters. The main plot focuses on Hamlet, however there are intricate links to Laertes and Fortinbras. Shakespeare effectively presents the three revenge characters as possessing parallel lives, especially Fortinbras and Hamlet.

In using 5 Acts, Shakespeare does more than present the popular genre of revenge tragedy and through the structure of these he effectively uses sub plots, as well as the main plot, in which Hamlet is instructed to take revenge on Claudius. The sub plots, including Laertes’ revenge on Hamlet and Fortinbras’ revenge, are particularly effective because they allow contrasts between the main revenge characters, and allow the audience to observe each character in a different perspective. In this way Hamlet’s attitude towards revenge contrasts with that of Laertes’, the typical avenger, and Fortinbras’ life appears to almost parallel Hamlet’s. Shakespeare effectively brings the main and sub-plots to a close dramatic conclusion. Various scenes, such as the gravediggers scene, have a dual purpose in that whilst they provide an integral concentration on death, they also act as “comic relief” scenes, and inject some humour into the play.

Shakespeare presents Hamlet as the central character and the main focus in the theme of revenge. The audience initially meets Hamlet in Act 1 ii, where the court is assembled, and there are signs of conflict between Hamlet and the newly appointed King, Claudius. The audience is given the plot basis, which in turn the play develops from. Hamlet’s disgust for the King and Queen is specifically addressed in his first soliloquy, where he shares with the audience his anguish and resentment for them. He attempts to come to terms with his Father’s death and his Mother’s hasty marriage to Claudius, “But two months dead, nay, not so much, not two!” (Act 1 ii) Due to his mother’s swift marriage, Hamlet’s opinions of womenhood are shattered, “Frailty, thy name is woman.” Shakespeare effectively develops this initial resentment, which Hamlet feels towards both the King and Queen due to their “o’erhasty marriage” (Act 2 ii), and it intensifies when Hamlet is informed by the Ghost of the true nature of his father’s death.

In this first soliloquy, his speech is evocative, especially where he conveys strong emotions in the metaphor comparing the current world to “an unweeded garden,” (Act 1 ii) with “things rank and gross in nature.” Shakespeare effectively presents Hamlet as a considerable intellect, shown by his reference to Greek mythological figures. He emphatically uses juxtaposition, where Hamlet makes a strong comparison between his father and Claudius, “Hyperion to a satyr.” Act 1 ii, implying his father was like a sun god whereas Claudius was a mere half goat half man creature. The strong comparison reveals his bitterness towards Claudius.

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It can be argued that the ghost is created by Shakespeare as a powerful, metaphorical force and as such acts as the initial figure to provoke Hamlet to pursue an active revenge against Claudius. Hamlet’s first response to the ghost’s claim is rather hasty, “ May sweep to my revenge.” Act 1 v. This appears to echo Laertes’ impetuous attitude towards revenge, however, Hamlet does not fit this role, and he remains a thinking revenger. The ghost states “Ay, that incestuous…and prey on garbage,” (Act 1 v) suggesting that Claudius had seduced Gertrude before her husband’s death, although there ...

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