To What extent do other characters in the play betray Hamlet? Discuss.

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“To What extent do other characters in the play betray Hamlet?” Discuss.

In ‘Hamlet’, by William Shakespeare, the idea of betrayal runs deep through its plot, incorporating almost every character in the play into its web of deceit, with the treachery of each character in the end resulting in the backstabbing of Hamlet. This treachery from each character within the play can inevitably be linked to the princes’ descent into madness followed by his indirect murder by the king. The only significant character within the script in which does not betray Hamlet is his best friend Horatio, who forever remains loyal to the doomed prince.

The first act of betrayal in which directly effects Prince Hamlet, is the one in which effectively begins the core plot line of the play. Hamlet was first betrayed by his uncle Claudius, who out of his greed and lust for power killed the king of Denmark so that he himself could take control of the thrown. This is seen as betrayal, as Claudius is killing someone who trusted him to the fullest, which reveals his backstabbing nature. The fact that Claudius betrayed Hamlet senior means that he also betrayed Hamlet junior as he killed his father. Claudius’s betrayal continues later on in the play, when he manages to convince Laertes to murder Hamlet in treacherous ways. However to show Claudius’s lack of trust worthiness, he places poison in Hamlets drink just in case Laertes is unable to succeed in finishing off his required task of killing Hamlet.  

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Gertrude is the next character to betray Hamlet, as she is completely inconsiderate to her late husband. The same day in which the funeral is held for the late king Hamlet, Queen Gertrude gets marred to his brother Claudius. This is seen to Hamlet in two ways; firstly as she is showing little or no respect for Hamlets lately departed father, by getting married the same day as his funeral occurs, but also as he thinks that she is involved in the treasonous plot that resulted in the murder of the now dead king.  

Ophelia the daughter ...

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