William Shakespeare's play "Hamlet" is full of intrigues from beginning to end. One could try to generalise Hamlet, Claudius and Laertes as perpetrators; Ophelia, Gertrude, Polonius and others as victims. Although this distinction is not unambiguous, since Hamlet, Claudius and Laertes are also victims, Polonius the henchman of Claudius and Gertrude at least morally questionable. The tragic ending of the play, where almost all the main characters (Hamlet, Laertes, Gertrude and Claudius) are killed, is a touchstone of corruption.
We find corruption mainly in the act of taking and planning the act of vengeance. Claudius' “self-defence” against Hamlet becomes a source of corruption, too, when he realises how Hamlet could threaten his throne. In the beginning he is well-disposed towards Hamlet, calls him his son and confirms him as successor of the throne. Hamlet does not respond positively to these seemingly sympathetic overtures, since he envisions his “war” against Claudius, if not life in general as an endless struggle played by unfair rules: “Th'oppressor's wrong, the proud man is contumely,” (3.1.71). Hamlet is upset with his own fate and the world order in general. He even calls all of Denmark a prison (2.2.243). Claudius as king is a formidable opponent, forcing Hamlet to use all his wits to entrap him, even in the wake of considerable loss of life as the play progresses.
Table of Contents
1. Corruption in Hamlet: Is Hamlet an Evil Avenger?
Objectives & Themes
The paper examines the central theme of corruption in Shakespeare's Hamlet, analyzing the protagonist's descent from a melancholic prince to a vengeful figure, while questioning the morality of his actions and his role as an agent of justice versus destruction.
- The moral ambiguity of Hamlet's quest for revenge
- The influence of the ghost of King Hamlet on the plot
- The role of deception, madness, and manipulation in the Danish court
- Hamlet’s complex relationships and his treatment of other characters
- The tragic outcome and the shifting perception of Hamlet over time
Excerpt from the Book
Corruption in Hamlet: Is Hamlet an Evil Avenger?
The first and central occurrence of corruption in Hamlet is the murder of King Hamlet by Claudius and his subsequent usurpation of the Danish. He also marries Gertude, King Hamlet's former wife. From an Elizabethan perspective, such a marriage would have been considered adultery and incest. “She married — O most wicked speed! To post With such dexterity to incestuous sheets! It is not, nor it cannot come to good.” (1.2.156.158). King Hamlet's assassination takes place before the play's narrative begins. We are informed about it by King Hamlet's ghost: “The serpent that did sting thy father's life Now wears his crown” (1.5.39-40). This “primal eldest curse,” a brother's murder, is the crux of the play, the pivotal event that triggers all the corruption and intrigue. As Hamlet puts it: “Ay, sir, to be honest as this world goes is to be one man picked out of ten thousand.” (2.2.178-79). His obsession with corruption imbues his senses for most parts of the play.
Summary of Chapters
1. Corruption in Hamlet: Is Hamlet an Evil Avenger?: This chapter explores the foundational corruption caused by King Claudius, Hamlet's internal struggle with revenge, the influence of the ghost, and the moral consequences of Hamlet's actions on those around him.
Keywords
Hamlet, Shakespeare, Corruption, Revenge, Claudius, Ghost, Ophelia, Morality, Melancholy, Tragedy, Intrigue, Honour, Madness, Justice, Elizabethan
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central focus of this paper?
The paper focuses on the manifestation of corruption in Shakespeare’s Hamlet, specifically analyzing how the act of revenge impacts the characters and their moral standing.
What are the primary themes discussed?
The primary themes include the ambiguity of revenge, the nature of honour, the impact of melancholy and perceived madness, and the complexities of human morality.
What is the main research question?
The paper explores whether Hamlet can be considered an "evil avenger" based on his motivations, his treatment of others, and the ultimate tragic outcome of his actions.
Which methodology is employed?
The author uses a literary analysis approach, drawing upon historical context, Elizabethan perspectives, and scholarly criticism to interpret the character dynamics and thematic developments.
What does the main body address?
The main body examines the murder of King Hamlet, the role of the ghost, the "Mousetrap" play, the prayer scene, and the fatal interactions between Hamlet, Ophelia, and Claudius.
Which keywords define this analysis?
Key terms include Hamlet, corruption, revenge, tragedy, honour, morality, and Shakespearean drama.
How does the author characterize the ghost's impact on Hamlet?
The author suggests the ghost acts as a negative, inciting force that potentially represents an evil spirit, forcing Hamlet into a course of action that compromises his own moral integrity.
What argument does the author make regarding Hamlet’s delay in killing Claudius?
Contrary to interpretations of the delay as a sign of humanity, the author argues it is a tactical necessity to drive the plot and reflects Hamlet's own confusion and self-obsession rather than a moral choice.
How is Ophelia's role interpreted in the context of corruption?
Ophelia is portrayed as a tragic victim of the surrounding corruption and Hamlet's redirection of his own fury and frustration, leading to her eventual descent into madness.
What conclusion does the author draw about the ending of the play?
The author notes the profound tragedy where almost all major characters perish, highlighting how Hamlet and Laertes, despite their original motivations, become trapped in a self-destructive cycle of vendetta.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Martin Boddenberg (Autor:in), 2013, Corruption in Shakespeare's "Hamlet". Hamlet as an evil avenger?, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/318880
