Revenge in Hamlet
Revenge in Hamlet
In modern times justice is virtually always served. Most crimes and wrong doings are reprimanded and punishments are given. Yes, there are the scarce few who go above and beyond the law to take matters into their own hands. But it is the co formality of the law and of justice that keep the world from becoming chaotic. Revenge is thought as being barbaric and adolescent; the opportunity to retaliate or gain satisfaction. Justice is fair and impartial behavior or treatment. In Shakespeare’s Hamlet three characters go through a sudden death of a family member. The way that these characters deal with their problems display the rage and confusion that exists within the play. Hamlet, Laertes, and Claudius allow madness to poison their mind, disable the chance for justice and enable cold-blooded revenge to take over.
With the unforeseen death of his father, Laertes is overwhelmed with misplaced anger and unanswered questions. Searching for answers he turns to Claudius.
It well appears. But tell me
Why you proceeded not against these feats,
So crimeful in nature,
As by your safety, wisdom, all things else,
You mainly were stirred up.
(Shakespeare 4.7:5-10)
At this point Laertes is frustrated and susceptible to a cure for his pain; to find this, he turns to Claudius. Claudius introduces his plan for revenge. “No place , indeed, should murder sanctuaries. Revenge should have no bounds. But ,good Laertes, will you do this, keep close within your chamber(Shakespeare 4.7:140-43). These words are like a fishing reel, hooking the naive fish with an illusion of a fulfilling worm. Laertes has a unsaturated hunger for revenge, revenge for the [murder of his father.
His word is like his blood, which seals to a contact that later leads to his own death. Madness takes over Laertes. He is blind to see that revenge is not the answer. Madness suffocates the soul of loyal Laertes , who is unable to breathe the sweet words of fair justice.
Laertes challenges Hamlet to a fencing match , to compensate for his two losses. Sanity leaves the mind of his fair sister, Ophelia, she leaves this world to join her father. A distraught and infuriated Laertes demandsa duel against the prince. Laertes and Hamlet exchange words before the match.
I am satisfied in nature ,
Whose motive, in this case, should stir me most
To my revenge, but in terms...