Although there may be a variety of factors why Hamlet does not kill Claudius instantly, it may be argued that Hamlet is displaying rational behavior, and this rational behavior keeps him from bloody murder. ... Hamlet's most rational method of deciding whether to kill Claudius or not comes when he decides to host the reenacting play. ... It is difficult to imagine that Hamlet thought rationally before striking Polonius in his mother's bedroom. ... Only textual inference can prove whether Shakespeare truly mocks Polonius, and the rational principles that Polonius represents, or whethe...

• Word Count: 1742
• Approx Pages: 7
• Grade Level: High School

Laertes is killed by the poisoned sword he planned to use against Hamlet; Gertrude drinks the poisoned cup that Claudius intended for Hamlet; Claudius himself is poisoned by both sword and wine. ... Hamlet is the most prominent vengeful son, but in the course of working out his vengeance, he inadvertently kills Polonius. ... Laertes, Polonius's son and Ophelia's brother, thus has a double motive for revenge against Hamlet, an opportunity he accepts with relish. ... When the players arrive at Elsinore, Hamlet requests the first player to recite a favorite speech about Pyrrhus, the son...

• Word Count: 1931
• Approx Pages: 8
• Grade Level: High School