Essay on Hamlet
Prince Hamlet has been summoned home to attend his father’s funeral in Denmark. He is in despair and anguish over his father’s death. He is also disgusted that his mother, Queen Gertrude, has married his uncle, Claudius who is his father’s brother.. Hamlet thinks this is “foul incest” and is also angry that his uncle has taken the throne.
The ghost of Hamlet’s father appears and tells him he was poisoned in his sleep. The ghost tells him he has been assigned to avenge his death by punishing or killing the murderer of his father.
Hamlet pretends to become mentally ill so he can observe his uncle and his mother’s interactions. He convinces most people that he has lost his mind due to extreme anguish and grief. He does this to avoid any suspicions that he is investigating them. Hamlet starts to wonder if the ghost really was a demon who was trying to trick him into committing murder. He believes if he follows through with the murder then he will be sent to hell. His thoughts create self-doubt and prevent him from avenging his father.
To confirm his suspicions of his uncle Claudius, Hamlet writes a play which will re-enact the murder of Hamlet’s father, the king in front of Claudius and his mother. He names the play, the murder of Gonzago. He included a play inside the play which is where King Hamlet (his father) is murdered.
The play clearly traps Claudius, his uncle in his guilt. It also clearly points out the lengths Hamlet will go to, to put off the ghost’s words. He creates another play which is presented and the guilt-stricken to Claudius’ face is very visible. Hamlet then decides this is enough proof for him to commit the murder and avenge his father. Although he has found his proof, Hamlet still starts to doubt himself. He fears the consequence of his actions.
