Revenge- Or Lack of

As I continue the reading, I keep thinking about the revenge theme, and how no revenge seems to be happening quite yet. I find it quite interesting that when Hamlet first encounters the ghost, he seems so willing to take action. As the play goes on, though, Hamlet still can’t seem to actually do it. By act IV, there are three revenge plots taking place. Leartes now seeks vengeance for the death of his father. Also, in the background, Prince Fortinbras is still attempting to reclaim the lands of his deceased father. The difference between these sons, though, is that the other two are taking action. They are actively attempting to get revenge. I picked up on the fact that these characters seem to contrast Hamlet by not being as conflicted as Hamlet is. They simply do what they feel is right. Rather than just simply killing Cladius, Hamlet spends a lot of time trying to prove his uncle’s guilt first. He puts on the play to see the new king’s reaction, and contemplates the situation. He is thoughtful and philosophical, and yet by act IV, his sanity is questionable. When he kills Polonius, it is an irrational, unpredicted move. He does not act as his usual, intellectual self.  It is then in act IV that he speaks to a captain under Fortinbras and learns of Fortinbras’ willingness to sacrifice the lives of many men over land. Hamlet is struggling with his own inaction, and seems somewhat impressed by Fortinbras’ ability to turn his thoughts into actions. From then on he decides that he will have bloody thoughts and will begin to act as Fortinbras has. He wants to be able to carry out a plan without giving it much thought.
Overall, I find Hamlet to be a very confusing character. I have never read this play before, but I hope his character will somehow come full circle or will at least learn something valuable. It bothers me to have such a complex character who may not resolve anything. Perhaps it is his complexity that makes him one of Shakespeare’s most well known characters.

Everyone's out for Revenge

While reading "Hamlet" I have realized that 'revenge' is a theme that constantly seems to pop up. It's one of the larger themes of the play and ultimately plays a role in the stories development. Revenge also appears to have a lot of control over the actions of several characters in the play.

The play starts out with King Hamlet's ghost asking that his son Hamlet avenge his death by killing King Claudius, his murderer. When Hamlet finds out the truth behind his fathers death he pretty much vows to take his revenge. Just killing Claudius isn't enough though, he needs to go to hell for what he's done in order to become king. Although Hamlet intentionally acts like he's crazy, i do believe that his need for revenge eventually drives him to true insanity. Revenge begins to cloud his judgement and he eventually ends up killing an innocent man. Hamlet doesn't seem to harbor any guilt for his reckless murder of Polonius and even hides the body, pretty much denying polonius a proper burial.

This is where 'revenge' becomes a cycle. Laertes wants revenge for his fathers death and so he now targets Hamlet. Laertes' need for revenge turns him into a tool for Claudius's use. Now Claudius will be able to get rid of Hamlet by using Laertes, Claudius is probably thinking that he will get out of this whole situation squeaky clean. But we haven't read up to that point yet so who's to say how it will all turn out.

Forthinbras is another character controlled by revenge. He wants to avenge his fathers death by going to war with Denmark and killing Claudius. His uncle finds out about his plans and temporarily sends him to jail until he decides to target Poland instead. I personally don't believe he's just going to let go of his revenge and fight for a seemingly useless piece of land in Poland. I get the feeling that Denmark is still his ultimate target. I can't say for sure but that's what would make the most sense to me.

Thus the power of 'Revenge' once it gets a hold of you, it fully controls your actions and clouds your better judgement.