Hamlet is also responsible for the death of Ophelia's father, Polonius. In the closet scene, Hamlet mistook her father for the king, and he fatally stabbed him. ... She became distraught by Hamlet's rejection and the death of her father. ... This shows how Claudius is truly concerned with his step-son's well being. ... This might be an indication that the people desired a change in the way that the country was governed, so they elected Claudius instead of Old Hamlet's son. ...

• Word Count: 2834
• Approx Pages: 11
• Grade Level: High School

Depression, melancholy, disillusionment, and disconnectedness are the burning emotions churning in young Hamlet's soul as he attempts to come to terms with his father's death and his mother's incestuous, illicit marriage. ... His mother begs him to cast his nighted colour off."6 She cannot begin to comprehend her son's emotional state and therefore takes it much more lightly than she should. Due to her inability to understand her son she resorts to pleading with Hamlet in hopes that she can change his outlook. ... (I. ii. 79-89) Hamlet is revealing the depth of the loss h...

• Word Count: 4821
• Approx Pages: 19
• Grade Level: High School

(The evidence for this arbitrary reliance on his mother's love comes from his father and Claudius both professing of their powerful need for Gertrude's love and approval. ... The probable dramatic purpose of showing Hamlet in the doldrums prior to knowing of his father's murder is to lend credibility to the idea that Hamlet's obsession causes him intense psychological stress. After all, one might imagine that if Hamlet could get this depressed before hearing of his father's murder, he would likely become extremely high-strung once he learns of his murder. 2. ...

• Word Count: 3498
• Approx Pages: 14
• Grade Level: High School