Seeking Revenge In Hamlet

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“While seeking revenge, dig two graves- one for yourself.” (Douglas Horton) In William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, revenge is one of the main themes that is followed throughout the play. Hamlet, The Prince of Denmark, plotted on the new King, his Uncle Claudius. Claudius murdered Hamlet’s father, the initial King, in order to marry the Queen and take his crown. While Hamlet was plotting the death of his uncle, he accidentally murdered Polonius who is the father of his good friend, Laertes. This triggered Laertes to plan revenge on his own father’s death by killing Hamlet. Fortinbras was planning to take over Denmark because King Hamlet murdered his own father while in battle. All three of these men were out seeking revenge on their fathers’ deaths. …show more content…
When he came home to console his mother, it was revealed that she remarried Hamlet’s uncle, Claudius. The marriage gave the position of King of Denmark to Claudius, although it should have been given to Prince Hamlet. Hamlet was very disturbed that his father’s death and his mother’s remarriage to Claudius were so close together. He voiced his disapproval in an aside, “A little more than kin, and less than kind” (Act 1 Scene 2). Hamlet received a visit from his father’s ghost who disclosed the truth that his uncle killed his father. “The serpent that did sting thy father’s life now wears his crown” (Act 1 Scene 5). The ghost of King Hamlet also told Prince Hamlet that he needed to revenge his father’s death. “Revenge his foul and most unnatural murder” (Act 1 Scene 5). Hamlet was determined to make things right and murder his uncle to restore honor in their family. His plans were delayed throughout Hamlet three times, but he eventually finished the job in the last scene of the …show more content…
Fortinbras assembled a group of mercenaries to regain his father’s original territory. He started his conquest by conquering other countries while on his journey to Denmark. Although his uncle, who also stole his rightful crown, told Fortinbras not to attack Denmark, he eventually captured the throne. When Fortinbras finally reached Denmark, he discovered that everyone had died. “I have some rights of memory in this kingdom, which now to claim my vantage doth invite me” (Act 5 Scene 2). Fortinbras realized that his opportunity to take the crown had appeared. Out of the three sons, Fortinbras can certainly be considered the most
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