The Use of Pawns in William Shakespeare's Hamlet

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In Shakespeare's Hamlet, the power of the king, the hierarchy of control, and the use of spies and pawns are the factors that lead to the deaths of Claudius, Gertrude, Hamlet, Laertes, Polonius, and Ophelia. Those who wield power are concerned about how they are seen, therefore, they use indirect action by recruiting a pawn regardless of whether there is honor in the process. These pawns then use direct action. Claudius, the center of power, attempts to maintain this royal image by using political pawns who only want to please him. Friendship is a rare luxury in Hamlet, and using pawns does not promote friendship, trust, or honor. It is difficult to discern true intentions when most characters are playing for their own motives. The “something... rotten in the state of Denmark” (1.5.100) and the corrupt political system destroys the code of honor that Hamlet Sr. is made out to embody. This is a theme echoed in history from all empires and kingdoms of any time period. Pawns and spies are universal practice in most hierarchies, much like a code of honor that is almost identical in many cultures throughout history. Hamlet is full of occurrences that are questionable in honor, inspired by revenge, and ruled by emotion.
Hamlet’s hierarchy is the mold for the plot to fill in. It dictates what is out of line for characters and how they will act. This hierarchy consists of a royal family who give power to those they deem worthy underneath them, but still wield ultimate control. This is the backdrop for complex and premeditated movements by Claudius.You can see that Claudius has few rules since he murdered his brother for his throne and wife and goes about protecting it by attempting to kill his stepson/nephew. The only restriction ...

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...m as a “ wretched, rash, intruding, fool” (3.4.38) which fits his character to a tee. Aside from Polonius, Claudius also uses Laertes for his plans.
Laertes is a noble and dignified man,but when his father is killed, he is driven to act on anger instead of his sense. He is driven to revenge the same way Hamlet is. Claudius is able to bend Laertes’ anger into something he can use against Hamlet in Act 5 during the duel between Hamlet and Laertes. Claudius’ cool persuasion is seen in Claudius’ words when Laertes brings a mob to the palace after hearing of his father’s death:
What is the cause, Laertes,
That thy rebellion looks so giant-like?-
Let him go, Gertrude. Do not fear our person.
There’s such divinity both hedge a king
That treason can but peep to what it would,
Acts little of his will.- Tell me, Laertes,
Why thou art thus incensed. (4.5.135-141)

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