This contrasts to Shakespeare's slant on a revenge tragedy. ... He compares Claudius and King Hamlet and throughout this speech Hamlet confronts Gertrude with her own sexuality, "since frost itself as actively doth burn". ... The presentation of Hamlet in this scene contrasts that of the rest of the play were he has avoided action at all costs. ... Eventually he does kill the King because he has killed Gertrude and attempted to kill Hamlet. ... Gertrude thinks Hamlet is mad as the ghost is only visible to Hamlet. ...

• Word Count: 2065
• Approx Pages: 8
• Grade Level: High School

Hamlet Laertes and Hamlet both display impulsive reactions when angered. ... In contrast to Laertes speculation of his father's killer, Hamlet presumes the individual spying on his conversation with Gertrude is Claudius("Nay, I know not: is it the King?" ... Similarly, Hamlet holds a great respect for his dead father(Hamlet compares his father to a sun god "Hyperion"). ... In the same way, Hamlet is able to persuade Gertrude he is not mad and manipulate her to follow his instructions. Hamlet directs his mother to convince Claudius of Hamlet's madness. ...

• Word Count: 802
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

Hamlet's Disease The somber images of poison and disease taint the pages of Hamlet, and shadow the corruption pervading the recent and future events of the castle. ... Later in this scene, Claudius compares Hamlet to "the hectic in my blood and thou must cure me" (IV.3.65), portraying the psychologically ailing prince as a personal sickness, a fever raging in his body. ... There are also scenes including Gertrude and images of disease. ... Thus, Hamlet seems to have his own personal theme of irresolution, quite a contrast to Laertes quick and passionate decisions, who if he were Hamle...

• Word Count: 1339
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School