hamlet's delay essay

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             Hamlet's delay in seeking revenge              "Revenge should know no bounds" – Claudius              In William Shakespeare's 'Hamlet', Hamlet vows to avenge his father's death at the hands of Claudius, however, he procarastinates throughout the play and doesn't seek revenge until the end, when Hamlet finally acts by his instincts, and kills his father's murderer. Hamlet is stopped in seeking revenge by a number of factors throughout the play. He needs to know if the ghost is telling the truth before he seeks revenge. He fears purgatory – as told about the horrors of it by the ghost. He needs to get himself together before seeking revenge, and he procrastinates through discovering that revenge is easier said than done.              "Revenge his foul and most unnatural murder"              When his father's ghost came to him and told him to avenge his murder, Hamlet was eager to take immediate action. However before seeking revenge he needs to know if the ghost is telling the truth about his murder. "May sweep to my revenge." Hamlet feels that if the ghost isn't telling the truth and he acts, he too will become a murderer. "Thus conscience doth make cowards of us all." In order to determine if Claudius is truly guilty, Hamlet produces a play in which the plot is parallel to King Hamlet's murder. Hamlet asks his good friend, Horatio, to watch Claudius' reaction to the play and to determine whether Claudius is guilty or not. By Claudius' reaction, Hamlet could come to the conclusion that the ghost was telling the truth and Claudius did murder his father. By the time the player's came to Elsinore, it's been a while since Hamlet promised the ghost that he would take revenge. However, finding out the ghost was telling the truth didn't make Hamlet seek immediate revenge. He had to overcome other factors stopping him from seeking revenge. Hamlet heard the h              ...

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Why Did Hamlet Delay His Revenge?

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Hamlet will always be well known for his delay in killing Claudius. After the interaction with his fathers ghost. The ghost informes Hamlet that he must get revenge and now kill Claudius. But from the start hesitation was in effect. There are many different theories of why Hamlet delayed revenge the most well know are finding of a perfect moment and him questioning death and the ghost itself. Hamlet was never unfaithful, he always want to go, but that he had never finished thinking the matter out.

Why Did Hamlet Delay Killing the King?

At the end of the play, Hamlet does end up exacting his revenge. The circumstances were not the best, as Hamlet and his mother die along with Claudius. Despite that, Hamlet fulfills his vow to avenge his father. Now was Hamlets delay right or wrong? That subject remains open to discussion but there is no doubt that Hamlet did delay in search of the optimal moment where his revenge would be most

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Hamlet has lived through plenty of ups and downs throughout his childhood. He has been lost and confused within himself, but knew he wanted one thing, which was revenge on his fathers killer, Claudius. His passion of hate developed for Claudius as he married Hamlets mother shortly after the king’s death. Hamlet could not decide on the perfect decision for himself, his mother and father as well as the best way to follow through with the best consequence for Claudius that would impress his father. His everyday life, along with his love life, left him with an empty heart, which slowed the process of the revenge down. Hamlet never expected to be captured and kidnapped by pirates, as he was sent overseas as a young man. His inside thoughts were attacking and overwhelming Him, leaving him depressed and anxious. Hamlet’s life has been leading him to negative thoughts that he cannot process or act accordingly to, due to the excessive amount of issues and options involved in his life at a young age, him being overwhelmed lead him to delaying the process of avenging his fathers killer.

Why Did Hamlet Decide To Kill Claudius

Hamlet delayed seeking his revenge many times until the very end. He is first delayed because he doesn't know if he can trust the word of the ghost. Later after the play he had the chance to kill King Claudius while he was vulnerable but decided not to. Also he was religious and may have believed taking his revenge would send him to hell. These three points have a big part in why Hamlet procrastinated in taking his revenge.

Why Does Hamlet Delay His Revenge? Essay

`Hamlet' is no doubt one of the greatest literary works ever written. William Shakespeare presents in it complexity of human nature and examination of human behavior. After reading this drama one of the main questions we have to ask is ` Why does Hamlet delay?'. Why does he wait so long before taking revenge on Claudius for killing his father? While answering the question about postponement we have to take under consideration few aspects.

Why Is Revenge Important In Hamlet

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According to Kastan, “Hamlet is prevented from enacting his revenge by the discomforting ratios that his literary imitations generate” (4). He is also stopped from executing his revenge because of his inability to separate himself from his father, to be different from what generated him (Kastan 4). By this point, Hamlet is no longer caught between whether to avenge his father or not, it is that he no longer realizes whether he is doing this for his father or for himself. When Hamlet finally does kill Claudius, he does it to avenge not his father, but himself (Kastan 4). “Hamlet dies with no word of the father he has sworn to remember” writes David Scott Kastan, “The act he finally

Revenge In Hamlet Essay

Hamlet’s need for revenge begins in act 1 when the ghost tells him what happened. In the play, the ghost of King Hamlet appears and tells his son, Hamlet, that he is his father’s spirit, “I am thy father’s spirit…” (act I, scene v). The ghost is talking to Hamlet and tells him how he was really killed. He says, “Now, Hamlet, hear. 'Tis given out that, sleeping in my orchard, A serpent stung me; so the whole ear of Denmark Is by a forged process of my death Rankly abus'd; but know, thou noble youth, The serpent that did sting thy father's life Now wears his crown” (act I, scene v). King Hamlet’s spirit explains to his son that the serpent

Revenge in Hamlet Essay

Although Hamlet knows well enough that he must avenge his fathers’ death, the action of revenge does not come easily to him. Hamlet throughout Hamlet is contemplating the revenge for his father’s death. Hamlet is indecisive, hesitant, and contemplative yet at other times impulsive. He is still, as it is, being influenced by his reason taking into consideration that Hamlet is a scholar. He does not act upon his feelings immediately but decides to investigate further on the suspicions he has about Claudius and his fathers’ death. This attitude tends to make Hamlet procrastinate and only until he has done away with his scholastic characters will he actually play out his Acton.

Hamlet's Hesitation Essay

He plans to accomplish this by devising a play that parallels the conspiracy against his father's death. The play he develops portrays a reenactment of Claudius poisoning Hamlet's father, and will expose the guilty and alleviate all thoughts that the ghost was the devil. Hamlet explains his reasoning by saying:

Revenge and Vengeance in Shakespeare's Hamlet - Why Revenge?

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In this case, Hamlet is obsessed with yet unable to act out his revenge since he is a man of thought and reflection, not of action and impulsiveness. "Revenge, said Francis Bacon in his essay on the subject, is a kind of wild justice, and something in Hamlet is too civilized for stealthy murder," says Northrop Frye (Frye). While he knows it is his duty to avenge his father's murder, Hamlet's desire to fulfill this obligation constantly wavers. In self-pity he cries, "O cursed spite / That ever I was born to set it right!" (1.5. 188-189), and yet in rage he utters, "Now could I drink hot blood / and do such bitter business as the day / Would quake to loot on," (3.2. 397-399). Hamlet hesitates numerous times to fulfill his duty to avenge his father, and in the end he must actually convince himself to kill Claudius. "... I do not know / Why yet I live to say 'This thing's to do', / Sith I have cause, and will, and strength, and means / To do't... / ... / O, from this time forth, / My thoughts be bloody, or be nothing worth!" (4.4. 43-46, 65-66). This unusual flaw leads to Hamlet's inevitable demise, and is the most convincing evidence that Hamlet is, indeed, a tragedy. The protagonist, however, is not the only character in the play that experiences a want for revenge. Shakespeare uses all three of the sons seeking vengeance to reveal the complexity of the human yearning for

The Tragic Overuse Of Logic In Hamlet

It is clear that the death of his father and his mother 's remarriage has taken an enormous mental toll on him and that he desires death to free himself of the burden laid upon him by the ghost. He romanticizes it, saying that suicide is the brave and courageous option akin to “[taking] arms” against troubles. However, he can’t commit to the idea of death, saying “To sleep, perchance to dream: ay, there’s the rub / For in that sleep of death what dreams may come” (III, i, 66-67). He craves death, which would allow him to escape all the “natural shock / that flesh is heir to” (III, i, 63-64) but the more he ponders it, the further he is from reaching a decision. Ironically, the argument within his mind about how he should free himself of the ghostly burden — murder, or death — is impeding him from carrying out any action on it. At the end of his most famous soliloquy, Hamlet hasn’t made any decisive choice and therefore is in limbo regarding death due to his overarching rationale. His inaction proves “[his] endless reasoning and hesitation and the way in which the energy of his resolutions evaporates in self-reproaches” (Morgan 259). Moreover, Hamlet tackles the decision of interpreting what is real and what is false when he questions the ghost’s true nature. At first, Hamlet is certain

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Hamlet feels the constant need to reassure himself that his beliefs are correct, especially in his soliloquies about death. It is stated, “O that this too too solid flesh would melt, Thaw, and resolve itself into a dew!...” (Act 1, Sn 2, 129-1559). Hamlet discusses how things were not good and he was just in mourning and despair in this soliloquy. In the noted to be or not be soliloquy he continues the decisions on death, “To be, or not to be: that is the question: Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer, The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, Or to take arms against a sea of troubles, And by opposing end them?...” (Act 3, Sn 1, 56-89). As Hamlet continues through the play he gives up in a sense because of everything happening to the people he was close to and to him in general. He lost the people he cared about due to his uncle’s careless actions and his mother playing along with it. When he actually got emotion from his uncle things were only proven to be more complicated because his father’s ghost was correct. His soliloquies prove how Hamlet was overly depressed and wanted to die, although depression during this time period is completely different compared to now.

The Concept Of Revenge In Hamlet

It can be easily said that no one can handle the feeling of revenge perfectly, as is the case for Hamlet specifically. Early in the play Hamlet it is said that Hamlet had lost his father to a poisonous snake whilst he was in the gardens, but it is later revealed in act one by his father's ghost of his true death. “ ‘Now, Hamlet, hear. 'Tis given out that, sleeping in my orchard, A serpent stung me. So the whole ear of Denmark Is by a forgèd process of my death Rankly abused. But know, thou noble youth, The serpent that did sting thy father’s life Now wears his crown’ ”(I.V.34-40). Hamlet’s father tells Hamlet the truth of his death by his brother’s hand, giving Hamlet a soul to avenge. Francis Bacon’s

Hamlet Acts Morally, Harms Others by his Actions, and Realizes his Tragic Limits

Although Hamlet has thoughts on the moral consequences of revenge, which is the cause of the delay to gain vengeance for his father, he deceives others by his irritating actions. After threatening the queen in her bedroom, telling her that she is not leaving the room until he knows that she is innocent from his fathers’ death.

Hamlet and the Issue of Revenge in William Shakespeare's Play

Hamlet has now secured in his mind that the Ghost was telling the truth, and so can have no doubt that revenge is what Claudius deserves. His delay however does not subside, so what can be his reason now? Much of his hesitation it seems comes as a result of his own self-doubt. He feels he lacks the powerful warrior image; the one which his Father and so many more do possess.

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Hamlet's delay.

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                          William Shakespeare's dramatic tragedy Hamlet is truly a work of art. Any piece of literature that has the capacity to generate so much debate and last for hundreds of years must be pure genius. Upon examining Shakespeare's characters in this play, Hamlet proves to be an exceedingly complex character, and functions as the key element to the development of the play. Throughout the play we see many different aspects of Hamlet's personality by observing his actions in exacting his revenge on his uncle, Claudius, who killed his father and incestuously married his mother to take control of the throne. The question of why Hamlet delays in taking revenge on Claudius for so long has puzzled readers and audience members alike.              Some critics believe that Hamlet simply thinks too much. He wants the murder of the King to be perfect. Claudius has to go to hell and the people have to know about the murderer Claudius. Unlike most erratic behavior of individuals seeking revenge out of rage, Hamlet considers the consequences of his actions. Hamlet has the mind of a true thinker. However, his mind was holding him back at the same time. Hamlet spends too much time planning and not enough time doing, thus making the King's murder more complicated and belated. His need to analyze and prove everything certainly drew his time of action farther and farther away. As illustrated through the self-reproaches in his soliloquies, Hamlet continuously doubted himself and whether or not the action that he wanted to take was justifiable.              According to the philosophy of the human race, the ability to think and reason separates man from animal. It is with this very important fact in mind that one can first begin to interpret the question, why does he wait so long to kill Claudius? It is a question of morals and ethics, both of which can pose many of life's greatest challenges. As Edward Wagenknecht puts it, "this is the tragedy of a man who could not make up his mind.

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Essays Related to Hamlet's Delay

1. hamlets delay.

Hamlet's delay in killing his uncle is understandable. ... However there are also many reasons for Hamlet's delay in killing Claudius. One reason for delay is he's just seen a ghost. ... Hamlet has many reasons for delaying to kill Claudius. ... Although at times Hamlet appears wishy-washy his delay is understandably human. ...

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2. Delay in Shakespears Hamlet

In the play Hamlet by William Shakespear, Hamlet delays seeking revenge on Claudius for his fathers murder. ... The second time Hamlet delays in enacting his revenge, occurs just after the play within a play. ... Though Hamlet does delay in enacting his revenge, there may be reason for the procrastination. ... In conclusion in the play Hamlet by William Shakespear Hamlet chooses to delay his plans of revenge for his uncle Claudius for many reasons. ... Thus Hamlet's delays were brought on by himself but with specific intentions. ...

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3. Hamlet's Delayed Action

Hamlet's Delayed Action Hamlet is an emotional human being who feels guilt, remorse, and has responsibilities; he also feels pride and a sense of duty. ... The Ghost, Hamlet's father, explained his death and instructed Hamlet to kill Claudius. ... Upon recollection Hamlet considers that this may be an evil ghost so he delays killing Claudius. ... Preventing the king from going to Heaven and the need to confirm the King's guilt are two valid reasons Hamlet delays killing the King. ... The Prince's delay was justified through the nature, actions, and beliefs of many...

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The most often, the only flaw that has been attributed to Hamlet is his delay. ... More critics, especially during popularity of Freud, have tried to explain Hamlet's delay exclusively from psychological point of view. ... Understanding this scene is crucial in understanding Hamlet's delay, for we seem to be puzzled because what is Hamlet's motive. This delay is why Hamlet's role as a hero is in total jeopardy when put under archetypal criticism. ... So, Hamlet does delay, but with purpose to create his deed momentous when the right moment comes. ...

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Hamlet is presented with the knowledge of his fathers murder, knows it within himself to be true, yet delays in carrying out a sentence so richly deserved. Throughout the story we watch as Hamlet delves within himself to find the reason for the delay, only find out that there is no reason. ... Hamlet avoids his role throughout this play, delaying action as the avenger to become the judge and jury. ... Could his social contract with his King delay his vengeance? ... The question was never fully answered by Shakespeare himself as to why Hamlet delayed his vengeance and thus caused the deat...

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Despite the bizarre appearance of the ghost, Hamlet encounters many obstacles that delay his ability to get revenge. ... Although Hamlet finally realizes that the ghost is not evil another obstacle delays Hamlet's revenge. ... Hamlet's revenge is again delayed when Claudius sends him to England after discovering that Hamlet mistakenly murdered Polonius, thinking it was Claudius. On Hamlet's journey to England he observes the Prince of Norway, whose ambition motivates Hamlet to successfully avenge his father. ... Hamlet's hesitation and internal conflicts delay him from ...

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7. Hamlets Something

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8. Hamlet Motivation

Hamlet's Delayed Action *Hamlet is an emotional human being who feels guilt, remorse, and has responsibilities; he also feels pride and a sense of duty. ... The Ghost, Hamlet's father, explained his death and instructed Hamlet to kill Claudius. ... Upon recollection Hamlet considers that this may be an evil ghost so he delays killing Claudius. ... *Preventing the king from going to Heaven and the need to confirm the King's guilt are two valid reasons Hamlet delays killing the King. ... The Prince's delay was justified through the nature, actions, and beliefs of ma...

Essay On Hamlet Delay

Hamlet What is perceived, as Hamlet's delay in avenging his father has been some thing that has been under scrutiny for a long time. Especially in the last two hundred years there has been a lot of thought that has been given to the topic but the first person to raise the issue and in an indirect manner was Shakespeare. He was the person who assigned Hamlet lines in which he unbraids himself for not having yet acted. There have been a number of thematic contributions the idea of delay makes to the play and many believe that it is that delay which is the lifeblood of the play. Had it not been there the play would never have been such a marvel. It was anything but Hamlet’s ability to come to a decision because he was not someone who was indecisive about anything. He may have had problems in his youth and he was a bit slow and cautious but that is not to suggest that he was afraid or a bad decision maker as it could be seen when he said, “What an ass am I!” (II, iii, 125-129) People and the readers alike expect or at least expected that Hamlet should have went for the revenge right awa...

In this essay, the author

• Analyzes how shakespeare raised the issue of hamlet's delay in avenging his father, which is the lifeblood of the play.
• Analyzes how hamlet didn't kill claudius until the very end of the play. he was a soft at heart and wanted to do it but did not know how to accomplish it.
• Analyzes how he wanted to keep himself aloof of such things and was not worried about getting the best out of it. he was making a good time with nothing to lose and amplified the point of revenge.

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Indecision, Hesitation and Delay in Shakespeare's Hamlet - Hamlet's Delay In Killing Claudius

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"To be, or not to be, that is the question."(Hamlet) This is the issue that torments Hamlet through the whole play. Should I live or would it be a good idea for me to pass on, would it be advisable for me to take revenge for my dad 's demise? These are all issues that Hamlet fights inside himself. Hamlet 's uncertainty is trailed by inaction. The purpose behind this battle with hesitation can be founded on numerous variables or on a mix of a couple.

Hamlet by William Shakespeare

In William Shakespeare’s play Hamlet, Hamlet does avenge his father’s death but at the cost of many life’s. Multiple characters must be analyzed in order to make an opinion about Hamlet’s revenge. There are many reasons to hamlet delaying avenging his father’s death because he finds out from a ghost he could not trust. Hamlet can be compared to Laertes and Fortinbra. They are very similar but different and the same time. Each of them loved their fathers very much and felt as if they have to avenge their father’s death. Something they had in common has been that they felt their fathers were disrespected not only their fathers but them as well. Hamlet took a very weak approach to his father revenge where as in Laertes was quick to act and Fortinbra was in the middle.

Hamlet Essay

More tragic play The tragedy of Hamlet Prince of Denmark is the most popular works of William Shakespeare. Probably the popularity of this play lies in the use of character of Hamlet in exemplifying the human mind through its complex workings. Hamlet’s internal dilemma of making the decision whether he should revenge the death of his father or not was a crucial turn in his life as the state of mind was the main reason which effected the decision power one makes in his life. His uncle Claudius was the one who murdered his father and the moment when the ghost of Hamlet’s father appears and asks Hamlet as to when the revenge of his foul and most unnatural murder is to take place. From this point onward Hamlet is under a constant dilemma. He does not find himself ready to take the revenge. If Hamlet had killed Claudius at the first opportunity than the revenge would have been taken but his internal dilemma would have never been solved. This play became very popular and the reason for the popularity was Shakespeare’s use of the character Hamlet and through this character he has tried to exemplify the complex workings of human’s mind. Shakespeare used emotion, reason and attitude of Hamlet to allow the readers to form an opinion or make a judgment about the basic aspects of the life of human beings. The reason the prince could not take the revenge of his father’s death was that he was a man of great moral integrity and to take revenge was an act which was against his deepest principals. Some of the other behaviors of the prince was that after the death of his father Hamlet became so disenchanted with his life that he lost all his desire and will to take any kind of revenge. Due to the delay in revenge Shakespeare was able to develop th...

Hamlet: The Man behind the Madness

At the beginning of the play, Hamlet has learned that his brother, the newly king, Claudius, murdered his father. In Christian Wertenbaker: What is the riddle in HAMLET? (Sirs.com, 2011) it is stated, “From then on, Hamlet has to find his own way. He has become a seeker of truth. Unless he verifies the facts for himself, he cannot do the act” (1). This shows that Hamlet can’t back away from what he is meant to do. In his eyes he sees himself as being chosen to avenge his father. In fact, Hamlet proclaims, “The time is out of joint. O, cursed sprit, That ever I was born to set it right” (I. V. 207-208)! Already Hamlet is stressed out by his misfortune. He sees no other option, but to kill his uncle.

Analysis of Hamlet

The play does not open with the protagonist, nor with the direct disclosure of the problem. It points to unanswered questions and reveals anxiety and unrest. There is said to be a ghost, but the reason and purpose for the ghost's appearance are unknown. Basically, we can say that the first scene creates an atmosphere and the basis for the disclosure of the specific problem. The first point dramatically established is that there really is a ghost, although the questions raised by its appearance are unanswered. Horatio, the scholar and the skeptic, comes to test the report given by the simple soldiers. The empirical proof that Horatio seeks is there; the ghost appears and it is seen to have a specific identity, that of the deceased King Hamlet. But the reason for his presence is not disclosed and the men on the platform, confronted by the upsetting mystery, have to guess in the dark, literally and metaphorically. Unable to offer an explanation, Horatio sees the apparition in convention terms as an omen of some evil. This is immediately connected with the expository fact that there are feverish military preparations in the kingdom. The indication is that there are pre-existing questions brought into the open in connection with the ghost. The specific question relating to preparations for war, concerning the kingdom and not necessarily the ghost, is answered by Horatio; he gives us expository background concerning the immediate past in the kingdom of Denmark, involving King Hamlet and King Fortinbras of Norway, we hear there was open, chivalric combat between them in which the Danish King vanquished and killed Fortinbras, as a result of which he obtained (fairly) the land which was gained by the Norwegians. But additionally we hear th...

How Does Hamlet Kill Claudius

Hamlet delays taking revenge on Claudius because he wants to be fully aware of the fact that the ghost of Old Hamlet is telling the truth about Claudius murdering him. After hearing this shocking revelation of his father’s death by his own uncle, Hamlet struggles with his inability to take action right away. He knows what needs to be done, but Hamlet is debating

Hamlet Analysis Essay

The play Hamlet is one of William Shakespeare's most notable plays ever. Written in the mid 1600s, Hamlet incorporates a progression of the hero character's discourses that right up 'til the present time have been referenced in numerous different works. In this play the hero, Hamlet experiences a noteworthy transform from the earliest starting point of the play to the end. Hamlet's change from a defenseless man in depression into a decided, sure man is uncovered in the monologues which are impressions of his encounters of self-acknowledgment. There is an extraordinary transform from the principal talk to the 6th discourse by Hamlet's character. His development is seen best through the discourses being that is the main time that Hamlet can genuinely open up and let out his internal contemplations and sentiments.

An Evaluation Of Hamlet Essay

Every man has a way of speaking. This power to speak gives listeners different ideas and thoughts to interpret. Like that William Shakespeare’s book Hamlet demonstrates different versions of the speech “ To be or not to be ”. And over the years many actors have shown contrasting ways of how the speech could have many interpretations according to their emotion, deliver and tone. All those who have acted as Hamlet gave had something different and unique. Some were good and some were bad. The good ones had a sense emotions giving the speech mystery. Making the audience think of what type of emotion it carried. From this, it is believed that Mel Gibson’s delivery was an outstanding rendition of Hamlet’s “ To be or not to be ” speech in Franco Zeffirelli’s version of Hamlet.

Why does Hamlet delay taking action against Claudius? This is a question that everyone want to know. We all know that Hamlet want to kill his Uncle Claudius as soon as possible. But why does he wait so long to sweep to his revenge? I believe that there are more than one reason why Hamlet delays before he takes action.

Indecision, Hesitation and Delay in Shakespeare's Hamlet - Excessive Hesitation and Delay?

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Madness is a state-of-mind were a person loses their sanity, they are mentally ill. In the play Hamlet, Hamlet meets his deceased father in a ghost form only to inform him of who caused his death and wants revenge. Now Hamlet must avenge his father's death, and the only way he can do it in a less obvious approach is by acting mad. But as the play continues, it becomes a lot harder to tell if Hamlet is still sane due to his actions. In the play Hamlet, William Shakespeare makes Hamlet's madness appear real but only to prove that he was only acting as if he were mad.

William Shakespeare's Hamlet

Hamlet play a very important role in this play. Basically the whole play revolves around him. In this play Hamlet is faced with the obligation to kill Claudius because Claudius has killed his father. Some people see Hamlet as a tragic hero with a clear and sacred obligation to kill Claudius but since he is scared to kill him and has many other things going on in his life, he is unable to kill Claudius right away. Throughout the entire play Hamlet procrastinates on killing Claudius. Why does Hamlet procrastinate for so long to revenge his father's death?

Although Hamlet has many significant soliloquies throughout the play, two show very different sides of Hamlet’s character to the naked eye. His “O all you host…” soliloquy portrays an enraged, passionate Hamlet while his “O, what a rogue…” demonstrates how Hamlet’s rationality has stopped him from taking action. Both soliloquies use dark diction, vivid, scholarly imagery and syntax to characterize Hamlet, and portray common Shakespearean themes of revenge and deception.

Free Hamlet Essays: The Enigmatic Hamlet Hamlet essays

 Of all of Shakespeares characters that I have studied thus far, Hamlet is an enigmatic standout. The complexity of so intriguing a character as Hamlet commends the immense skill of Shakespeare to create characters that seem almost more real and believable than people we meet daily. It is doubtful that many others could combine the eloquence and wit that emanates from the character of Hamlet, who captivates his audience with such charming presence. In a grand display of his linguistic capabilities, Hamlet delivers the passage: I will tell you why; so shall my anticipation prevent your discovery, and your secrecy to the King and Queen molt no feather. I have of late, but Wherefore I know not, lost all my mirth, forgone all Custom of exercises; and indeed, it goes so heavily With my disposition that this goodly from, the Earth, seems to me a sterile promontory; this most Excellent canopy, the air, look you, this brave Oerhanging firmament, this majestical roof fretted With golden fire: why, it appeareth nothing to me But a foul and pestilent congregation of vapors. What a piece of work is a man, how noble in reason, How infinite in faculties, in form and moving how Express and admirable, in action how like an angel, In apprehension how like a god: the beauty of the World, the paragon of animals; and yet to me, what Is this quintessence of dust? Man delights not me; Nor woman neither, though by your smiling you Seem to say so.

More about Essay On Hamlet Delay

Why Hamlet by Shakespeare Delays Revenge

Laertes and hamlet, fortinbras and hamlet, works cited.

The theme of death and revenge is multifaceted in Shakespeare’s works, as it is a classic strand of 16th- and 17th-century poetry. It is worth noting that revenge occupies a special place in the results because of its versatility and innocence. For Hamlet, revenge is an entirely new way of expressing his soul and experiencing tragic events. Shakespeare gives Hamlet an essential sense of reflection and compassion, giving him time to reflect on the need for revenge. Obstacles from his conscience and others delay his desire for revenge and provide an important lesson.

Laertes’ story is one of mistrust for Hamlet and concern for his sister Ophelia, with whom Hamlet has a romantic relationship. Laertes tells Ophelia, “Fear it, Ophelia; fear it, my dear sister, And keep you in the rear of your affection, Out of the shot and danger of desire (Shakespeare 41). Shakespeare uses this as the beginning of Laertes’ revenge story, stating the danger of Hamlet as a man (Abdulrazzaq 95). At the same time, the character of Laertes is rougher, moodier, and more violent: he will quickly go into a rebellion because he harbors resentment and a desire for revenge. Shakespeare reveals the consequences of this behavior and these desires that lead nowhere.

Laertes is aware of his grief, understands the unhappiness and what revenge will lead to, but still chooses to follow this path. He decides to retain his glory but go for revenge because otherwise, he would go against his conscience. His last words are, “Till of this flat a mountain you have made T’ o’ertop old Pelion or the skyish head Of blue Olympus,” and Hamlet realizes that revenge will bring him pain (Shakespeare 255). Hamlet admits he is not ready for revenge because his honor is in the distance, and he cannot go against his conscience (Abdulrazzaq 95). He postpones his revenge because he realizes his path may become as thorny as Laertes’. Hamlet is not prepared to bear the burden of trouble and terrible decisions, so he refuses to take revenge.

Fortinbras and Hamlet are two parallel lines that suffer from the need to commit death. They bear the same names as their fathers but radically different in their behavior and established notions of honor. Fortinbras’ impulsiveness, quick decision-making, and courage are something Hamlet is not familiar with. His desire to avenge his father’s murder is powerful, and all his actions are motivated by it. His determination is unfamiliar to Hamlet, who hesitates and chooses long reflective reflections on life, death, and honor, as Fortinbras’ ambition frightens him. Fortinbras becomes the image of a man that Hamlet would not want to be: for example, he cannot afford to go against another country for a piece of land (Shakespeare 201). Hamlet is probably delaying his revenge because he fears that he too might backslide on his conscience, as Fortinbras chooses to pursue personal interests instead of justly reasoning about his actions.

Hamlet’s procrastination with revenge results from his lengthy reflective reasoning. They are characterized by his worries about notions such as honor, dignity, and conscience. Looking at Laertes, Hamlet sees a man who chooses his dignity as the main reason why revenge is a choice. He becomes convinced that the consequences of revenge can be terrible. Through Fortinbras, Hamlet realizes that over determination in decision-making is not always a good thing. He cannot find cruelty in himself to take revenge quickly and easily.

Abdulrazzaq, Dulfqar Mhaibes. “Revenge Theme in Shakespeare’s Hamlet and Mahfouz’s The Thief and the Dogs” . Eurasian Journal of English Language and Literature , vol. 2, no. 1, 2020, pp. 92-98.

Shakespeare, William. The Tragedy of Hamlet Prince of Denmark . Folger Shakespeare Library.

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Why Did Hamlet Delay The Killing of Claudius?

Hamlet junior is the protagonist in Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Throughout the play, Hamlet misses numerous opportunities in killing Claudius and he delays in avenging his father’s death. This essay will examine Hamlet’s personality and principles alongside strenuous positions which prevent him from carrying out the vital task.

During the first stages of the play, Hamlet’s father (Hamlet senior) appears in the form of a ghost and tells Hamlet the true way in which his death came about. The ghost explains that his death was caused by poison being poured into his ear by his brother, Claudius. Matters become worse as Hamlet’s mother marries Claudius barely within a month of Hamlet senior’s death. The ghost of Hamlet senior compels Hamlet to avenge his murder by killing Claudius.

Initially, Hamlet has the intention to act upon his father’s word and avenge his death. This is shown in the play as Hamlet says “Haste me to know't that I with wings as swift may sweep to my revenge.” However soon enough Hamlet misses vital opportunities to take the life of Claudius as he is faced with his morals and conscience. Hamlet begins to doubt whether the ghost was bona fide and becomes unsure of the circumstances. Part of Hamlet’s delay is caught up in determining the authenticity of the Ghost before acting, he says “The spirit I have seen may be a devil.”

However, this cannot solely be the reason due to the fact that Hamlet later obtains his proof of Claudius’s guilt and still fails to act. His proof is obtained through the ‘play within a play’. One the main reasons is Hamlet’s inability to act and his tendency to think too much. Hamlet often talks to himself and at points he mentions that he would commit suicide to be closer to his father but it was forbidden by religious law. This shows that Hamlet has strict religious morals and acts upon them.

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This is why Hamlet loses a perfect opportunity to avenge his father’s death. Hamlet found Claudius praying later on in the play and stood behind him with a dagger in his hand ready to avenge the death of Hamlet senior. Hamlet uses the excuse that he does not want to kill him whilst doing a good deed as he would not want to send him to heaven. At the time however, Claudius was not really praying to God but rather finding his inability to feel guilt and sorrow and ask for forgiveness. Hamlet decides that it would be best to kill him while he is doing something against religion, while he drunk or asleep with his brother’s wife, who is now his wife. Although Hamlet has a valid reason, this merely seems like another delay tactic as he fails to make any sincere future plans to kill Claudius.

The most reasonable explanation to the delay is Hamlet’s own morals and ethics. His inability to act, and his tendency to think too much. At times Hamlet comes across as somewhat mad. The whole situation becomes like a huge burden, too for him to bear. The Ghost’s miraculous revelation alongside his mother’s sinful marriage all in the midst of mourning for his father’s death adds to his melancholic disposition.

His mother's remarriage was sinful according to canon law and was extremely irrational. It showed little though to the grieving and also implied that the relationship between his mother and Claudius may have been started before the death of Hamlet. This causes disposition within Hamlet and accounts for his lack of action and mad actions. Hamlet says to his mother “Have you not eyes? You cannot call it love. O shame! Where is thy blush?” To add to the mess, Hamlet’s relationship with his girlfriend, Ophelia, is in arrears. In his first soliloquy he says, “O that this too too solid flesh would melt.” Hence implying that the task of avenging his father’s death is too burdensome for already depressed Hamlet.

Additionally, Hamlet was a philosopher rather than a man of action. When Hamlet does act, he does something wrong and this could put him off such as Hamlet’s mistake of killing Polonius rather than Claudius. He admits his problem as he says (referring to himself) “think too precisely on the event.” He is intellectual and reflective, preferring to ponder rather than take action. However, this end in worse off circumstance rather than if he were to act.

Hamlet also delays killing the King because he is unsure of the morality of carrying out such a task. Revenge was prohibited by ecclesiastical law, but the duty of ‘personal honour’ was accepted during Elizabethan times. Hamlet’s inability to act was somewhere in the midst of these two contradicting laws. At this stage it is clear that Hamlet is having serious doubts about killing the King. After all, to kill an anointed King, even in an act of revenge, was considered a serious offence.

Furthermore, Hamlet in left between a moral dilemma while he confronts his mother. His father appears and orders Hamlet to stop confronting his mother when the ghost says ‘Leave her to heaven’. If we interpret heaven as being God then this would mean that God will deal with the sins of Hamlet’s mother. But surely, if it was up to God to deal with Hamlet’s mother then was it not up to God to deal with Claudius?

In conclusion, Hamlet delays in killing the King because of his own personal moral dilemmas alongside his psychological ethics; he is a philosopher and is of a melancholic disposition. External events in the play do not contribute to Hamlet's delay, but are rather used to Hamlet's advantage as excuses to further delay avenging his father's murder.

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