Introduction
William Shakespeare’s Hamlet is a complex play that explores many themes and ideas. Among the most prominent of these themes is the character of Hamlet, a man whose pursuit of revenge against his uncle for killing his father forms the play’s central conflict. Hamlet’s character is ambiguous, and there are different ways to read the play.
While Hamlet is indeed a tragic figure, it is unclear whether he is a noble or decent man who becomes corrupted by his thirst for revenge or is already corrupt. His actions are simply a reflection of his true nature. In this essay, I will argue that Hamlet is a noble and decent man driven to corruption by his desire for revenge. I will support this claim by analyzing Hamlet’s character, motivations, and actions throughout the play.
Hamlet as a Decent Man by Nature
The play presents Hamlet as a thoughtful, reflective character struggling to come to terms with his father’s death. His soliloquies reveal a deep sadness and a sense of disillusionment with the world around him. For example, in Act 1, the second scene, Hamlet laments, “O that this is too solid flesh would melt / Thaw and resolve itself into a dew!” (Shakespeare 129-130).
Hamlet struggles to find meaning in life, which is evident throughout the play. This initial portrayal of Hamlet as a sensitive and reflective character suggests that he is a noble and decent man who is grappling with the difficult circumstances of his life. He does not seek revenge lightly but is grappling with the enormity of his grief and the injustice of his father’s murder. Hamlet’s introspection and melancholy demonstrate that he is not a vengeful person by nature but rather someone struggling to come to terms with the terrible circumstances of his life.
How Hamlet Becomes Corrupted by His Pursuit of Revenge
It becomes evident as the play progresses that Hamlet’s desire for revenge consumes him. He becomes increasingly erratic and unstable, evidenced by his treatment of Ophelia and his rash decision to kill Polonius. Hamlet’s treatment of Ophelia is deeply troubling, as he seems to be taking out his anger and frustration on her. He tells her, “Get thee to a nunnery,” which suggests that he views her as a symbol of the corruption and deceit he sees all around him (Shakespeare 131). It shows that Hamlet’s desire for revenge is driving him to act cruelly and destructively.
As the play progresses, Hamlet’s increasingly erratic behavior demonstrates that his desire for revenge has become an all-consuming obsession, clouding his judgment. This behavior is causing him to act in ways that are not in line with his true character. His treatment of Ophelia is particularly troubling, suggesting that he is lashing out at those around him as he becomes increasingly consumed by his thirst for revenge. The desire for revenge has become central to his life, controlling him and ultimately judging his character in the play.
Clash Between Hamlet’s Nature and Acquired Traits
Even so, the play includes scenes that reveal Hamlet’s honorable and virtuous character. One such moment is when he spares his uncle’s life during the prayer scene. At this point in the play, Hamlet can murder his uncle while praying, but he decides not to do that because he believes this would transmit his soul to heaven. He says, “Now might I do it pat, now he is praying; / and now I’ll do’t. And so he goes to heaven; / and so am I revenged” (Shakespeare 77).
From the quote, it can be deduced that Hamlet has a sense of justice and morality and does not only yearn for revenge. He believes killing his uncle while praying would be a sin, and he is unwilling to commit such an act. This moment of hesitation and reflection reveals that Hamlet struggles with conflicting desires and motivations and is not simply a vengeful person consumed by his thirst for revenge. Hamlet’s decision to spare his uncle during the prayer scene demonstrates that his desire for revenge does not wholly corrupt him. He is capable of moral and ethical reflection and is willing to set aside his desire for vengeance when it conflicts with his moral and ethical principles.
However, Hamlet’s descent into corruption becomes more pronounced as the play progresses. His behavior towards his mother, Gertrude, is alarming. He speaks to her in an aggressive and demeaning manner. Hamlet also accuses her of her involvement in the murder of his father. He says, “A bloody deed? Almost as bad, good mother, / As kill a king and marry with his brother” (Shakespeare 28).
It demonstrates that Hamlet’s drive for revenge has made him grow harsh and resentful toward the people nearest him. He can no longer treat his mother with respect and kindness, and instead lashes out at her cruelly and hurtfully. This behavior indicates that Hamlet’s pursuit of revenge has corrupted him and turned him into someone who can no longer act nobly and decently. Hamlet’s treatment of Gertrude reveals that his desire for revenge has caused him to become blinded by anger and bitterness and has turned him into a person incapable of showing compassion and understanding towards others.
Victory of Hamlet’s Nature at the End of the Play
Hamlet’s noble and decent nature comes to the fore in the play’s final act. He confronts his mortality and reflects on the meaning of life poignantly and movingly. He says, “Now cracks a noble heart. Good night, sweet prince, / And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest!” (Shakespeare 370).
Hamlet can look beyond his desires and see the bigger picture of life and death. This final scene is a powerful reminder that Hamlet is a complex and multifaceted character capable of great nobility and deep corruption. Hamlet’s final soliloquy is a poignant moment that shows that he is not simply a character who has a desire for revenge but is also a person who is capable of profound insight and reflection.
Conclusion
In conclusion, William Shakespeare’s Hamlet is a play that explores the complex nature of revenge and the human psyche. While Hamlet begins as a noble and decent character, his pursuit of revenge ultimately corrupts him and causes him to act cruelly and vindictively. However, there are also moments in the play where Hamlet’s noble and decent nature shines through, demonstrating that he is a complex and multifaceted character.
One of the play’s key themes is the destructive nature of revenge. Hamlet’s obsession with avenging the murder of his father eventually causes the downfall of several characters, including himself. It warns against letting revenge consume one’s thoughts and actions. Such behaviors might end up defining an individual’s character.
Work Cited
Shakespeare, William. The tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark. Wellington, 1703.