Action Vs. Inaction In William Shakespeare's Hamlet

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“To be, or not to be, that is the question…” In William Shakespeare’s play Hamlet, this is the question the protagonist, Hamlet, faces. The idea regarding whether to act or not act derives the entirety of the story. Hamlet portrays the theme action v. inaction, through Laertes, Fortinbras, and Hamlet’s inability/ ability to handle conflicts that arise following their father’s deaths.
The play’s first example of inaction/ action includes Hamlet’s debate on whether he should kill Claudius or let him live. After being approached by his father’s ghost, and later formulating a plan to indicate if the ghost was being truthful- Hamlet is met with a praying Claudius.
And now I’ll do’t. And so he goes to heaven; And so am I revenged. That would be scann’d…. …show more content…

No. (3.3.70-71)

After being given a chance to take action and fulfill the deed his father asked of him, Hamlet decides to kill him at another time - this is a prime example of the action v. inaction displayed throughout the play. Even after being given evidence to prove Claudius did in fact kill his father, Hamlet continues to choose not to. In this case he decides not to because he doesn’t want his father’s killer to go heaven while his father is in hell.
Unlike Hamlet, Laertes does intend to take action right away to fulfill his father’s deed. After returning from France and being informed that his father was murdered he begins to charge the castle- willing to kill anyone involved.
To hell, allegiance! Vows, to the blackest devil!
Conscience and grace, to the profoundest pit!
Let come what comes; only I’ll be revenged
Most thoroughly my father.

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