The Theme Of Revenge In Shakespeare's Hamlet

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In the play, Hamlet, William Shakespeare explores the theme of revenge. Throughout the work, Hamlet acquires a moral dilemma; he cannot decide how to carry out revenge without condemning himself. Thus, although the play promotes the idea of revenge at the beginning, the cultivation of dialogue, relationships, and complications provide evidence of the detrimental consequences and limitations of the theme. When the Ghost appears to Hamlet, he mentions of Christian elements, such as purgatory, heaven, and hell. The Ghost states that he has almost reached the time to fall “to sulfurous and tormenting flames” (I.5.6). As he reaches this period, the Ghost wishes for Hamlet to avenge him. Hence, the Ghost sends Hamlet into this mission with a motivation of Christian undertones: that of getting out of purgatory. Therefore, Hamlet approaches his new workload with a Christian mindset. Hamlet does not want to go to hell, so he wants to carry out his revenge in a way that can be repented for later. On the other hand, Hamlet labels Claudius as a “villain” (I.5.105). Hamlet approaches the idea of revenge believing that Claudius deserves to reach hell; therefore he waits for the right moment of action so that he does not cause …show more content…

So, this type of revenge could be seen as encouraged by God, according to Hamlet, as he would be putting Claudius in his rightful place in the eyes of the Lord. Hamlet’s alignment with certain Christian teachings emphasizes his fear of God and punishment; he does not want to be penalized for carrying out what he believes is correct, so he attempts to abide by natural law in his actions. This is contradictory to the play’s promotion of revenge, as God does not encourage the act of vengeance. Hamlet desires to follow God’s law, however, he also wants to listen to his Father. Consequently, Hamlet finds himself between his Earthly and heavenly

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