The Importance Of Revenge In Hamlet

Revenge is a large issue that comes in many forms. Revenge is significant because it can happen to anyone and it can be done by anyone. An individual will seek revenge when injury or harm is done to he or she. The need to get revenge on an individual can form in romantic relationships, family relationships, even with someone you just met. The storyline of Hamlet is based on the issue of revenge. In act 1, scene 5 Hamlet is told by his father’s ghost to “revenge his foul and most unnatural murder” (Shakespeare 23). Hamlet’s father’s ghost confirms that Hamlet’s uncle was the one that killed him. The ghost tells Hamlet that “The serpent that did sting thy father’s life now wears his crown” (Shakespeare 24). Revenge is a way for individuals to get even with wrongdoings that have been done to them or their loved ones.
Whether or not revenge is morally correct is a large question that surrounds this topic. Although it may make one feel good, the acts that are carried out are done so in anger or resentment. A revenger tends to justify his or her actions by pointing the finger at the initial harm that was imposed on them. According to Anitza Grubb, “revenge is more likely to result in unethical behaviors if there are no legitimate, formal ways to make amends or resolve

According to Revenge, “revenge is not abnormal or aberrant behavior but a legitimate human need.” Revenge that is sought is also used as an example to others around the victim that certain behaviors are morally unjust and will have consequences. With this being said, the function of revenge is to get pay back for wrong that has been imposed on the revenger as well as teach a lesson to others. The fact that revenge is a legitimate human need can lead to larger issues than initially there. For example, let’s say that an individual gets revenge on someone then, that person’s family finds out. That person’s family may also seek revenge and it just turns into a