Introduction
Characters might be considered the most critical part of a literary work. According to researchers, character analyses are essential to better understanding the plot and themes of the writing and its author’s intentions (Mays 210). In Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the protagonist is affected by different interrelated forces. Thus, the three concepts that simultaneously drive and motivate Hamlet are his family, the feeling of hatred, and the need to avenge his father.
Impact of Family
In most cases, one’s family plays a critical role in character development and establishing views on life. Therefore, it is essential to analyze Hamlet’s relationships with his mother and father and determine how they affect the protagonist. The connection between Hamlet and Gertrude escalates significantly in Act 3, Scene 4, when the prince accuses his mother of getting married to his uncle and participating in the murder of his father.
It can be challenging to assess whether they are telling each other what they think, but the anger and resentment in Hamlet’s words help to understand the depth of their relationship and the son’s love for his mother. For example, he says, “You question with a wicked tongue” (Shakespeare 3.4.12); “Mother, you have my father much offended” (Shakespeare 3.4.10); “A bloody deed — almost as bad, good mother, / As kill a king and marry with his brother” (Shakespeare 3.4.27-28). The audience can understand the impact of family love and Hamlet’s desire to make Gertrude repent of her sins and end the relationship with Hamlet’s uncle.
At the same time, Gertrude’s coldness and unwillingness to believe her son affect his mental health, making Hamlet more impulsive and unable to control his own emotions. As for the impact of his father, it is evident in the play that the intense love and connection between the king and the prince make the latter seek revenge for his father’s death.
Additionally, the fact that the king’s ghost asks Hamlet to punish his murderers refers the readers to the trust and parent-child closeness they have. The audience can also see that Hamlet’s parents’ marriage is strong and sincere as the protagonist says, “so loving to my mother / That he might not between the winds of heaven / Visit her face too roughly” (Shakespeare 1.2.140-142). Their love for each other and their son influenced him in a way that he lost a part of himself after losing his parents.
Effects of Hatred on Hamlet
Hamlet is one of the key literary characters driven by a strong sense of hatred. While this emotion is caused by the king’s ghost’s request to punish his murderers, the primary cause lies within Hamlet himself. Considering their family’s past closeness and love, Hamlet develops hatred as a powerful motivational source. While this feeling undermines his ability to think coldly and analyze the situation (Shakespeare 3.4.23) and destroys him as a person, it also helps him continue living and not become overly depressed. He hates his uncle and mother for marrying each other right after the king’s death and for participating in his murder, which is where his hatred takes place (Shakespeare 3.4.27-28). Overall, if not for this feeling, Hamlet would possibly be too grieved and could not avenge his father.
Seeking Revenge
As evident from the previous sections, seeking revenge is the primary motivation for Hamlet’s behavior. This goal becomes imperative, and the audience can observe how Hamlet gradually loses his mind. For example, to make sure that Claudius is guilty, Hamlet even replays the scene of the murder of his father (Shakespeare 3.2.70-82).
Despite some irrational actions, including the accidental killing of Polonius (Shakespeare 3.4.30), Hamlet can retain his inner strength and survive different adversities. He is strongly motivated to avenge his father, and all his actions are based on this idea, including his readiness to kill Gertrude (Shakespeare 3.4.35). At the same time, Hamlet is not always blinded by the need to avenge the king (Shakespeare 3.3.77-80). The fact that he does not immediately kill Claudius during his prayers and confession but analyses the situation proves that he can think coldly and avoid spontaneous actions.
Conclusion
To conclude, the severe impacts of Hamlet’s parents, the feeling of hatred, and revenge for his behavior are evident in the play. To fully understand the plot of Shakespeare’s literary work, it is essential to consider the relationships between the prince and his parents and perceive how and why he is motivated by hatred and avenging his father. One may say that if not for the nature of relationships in Hamlet’s family, it is unlikely that he would seek revenge so desperately.
Works Cited
Mays, Kelly J. The Norton Introduction to Literature. 13th ed., W. W. Norton & Company, 2018.
Shakespeare, William. Hamlet: Prince of Denmark. Clarendon Press, 1880.