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
- Corruption in Hamlet: Is Hamlet an Evil Avenger?
- The Primal Curse
- Hamlet’s Opposition to Claudius
- The Ghost of Hamlet’s Father
- The “To Be or Not To Be” Soliloquy
- Ophelia and the Denial of Freedom of Choice
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper examines the concept of corruption in Shakespeare's Hamlet and explores whether Hamlet's quest for revenge can be considered a justifiable act or an act of evil. The paper analyzes Hamlet's motivations, his internal struggles, and the various factors that contribute to the play's tragic ending.
- The impact of corruption on individual characters and societal order
- The nature of revenge and its consequences
- The role of morality and ethics in decision-making
- The complexities of human nature and the struggle between good and evil
- The themes of honor, duty, and justice in a corrupt world
Chapter Summaries
- Corruption in Hamlet: Is Hamlet an Evil Avenger?
- The Primal Curse: This section introduces the play's central conflict, the murder of King Hamlet by his brother Claudius, and the subsequent corruption that permeates the Danish court. The murder, considered a heinous act of betrayal, sets in motion a chain of events leading to the play's tragic climax.
- Hamlet’s Opposition to Claudius: This section explores Hamlet's deep-seated animosity towards Claudius, both as a usurper of the throne and as a figure who cannot fill the void left by Hamlet's deceased father. Hamlet's resistance to Claudius fuels his desire for revenge and ultimately drives his actions.
- The Ghost of Hamlet’s Father: This section analyzes the role of the ghost, the source of Hamlet's revenge mission. The ghost's pronouncements and the ambiguous nature of its origins raise questions about its legitimacy and the morality of the revenge Hamlet is compelled to seek.
- The “To Be or Not To Be” Soliloquy: This section delves into the famous soliloquy, analyzing its significance in revealing Hamlet's inner turmoil and his struggle to reconcile his desire for revenge with his sense of morality. It also explores the impact of Hamlet's profound melancholy and the challenges he faces in a world corrupted by betrayal.
- Ophelia and the Denial of Freedom of Choice: This section examines Ophelia's tragic fate, highlighting the ways in which she is denied freedom of choice and manipulated by both Hamlet and her family. The section explores the consequences of Ophelia's loss of autonomy and the impact of Hamlet's emotional turmoil on those around him.
Keywords
Hamlet, corruption, revenge, morality, ethics, honor, duty, justice, tragedy, Shakespeare, Claudius, Gertrude, Ophelia, ghost, soliloquy, double-bind, melancholy, revenge, justice, medieval honor code, incest, adultery, usurpation, traitorous gifts, unnatural murder, villain, hero, misogyny, opposing end them, suffering, grief, disillusionment, helplessness, world order.
- Quote paper
- Martin Boddenberg (Author), 2013, Corruption in Shakespeare's "Hamlet". Hamlet as an evil avenger?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/318880
