After Polonius' death, Ophelia becomes increasingly lonely, and is driven to death, due in part to Hamlet's denial of any feelings for her. ... As confusion pertaining to reality and appearance contributed to the death of Ophelia, it prolonged the life of Claudius, as he appears to be repenting for his brother's murder. Hamlet is ready to end Claudius' life and avenge his father's death, but realizes that killing Claudius while he prays would send him to heaven. ... As Hamlet becomes privy to this information, his attention focuses from avenging his father's de...

• Word Count: 1415
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School

"[Hamlet's] acts are a commentary on his negative consciousness" "(handout), bred by his contempt for the living in his new-found living death, loathing the life that introduces the inevitability of death to all, and the perceived lack of significance of all but himself. ... Even after the accidental murder of Polonius, he sees not a signpost warning him to turn back before more innocent deaths occurs, but a minor setback, a simple inconvenience. ... After the initial excitement of his encounter has worn off, even Hamlet is forced to confront the possibility that the ghost may indeed "...

• Word Count: 1273
• Approx Pages: 5
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

In Act I Scene 5, the Ghost explains to Hamlet, how Claudius, Hamlet's uncle, murdered his father and that he wants Hamlet to avenge his death (I.v.38-90). ... For example, he introduces the darkness of evil prevalent in Denmark and in its court, when he says: "A serpent stung me, so the whole ear of Denmark is a forged process of my death rankly abused: but know thou noble youth, the serpent that did sting thy father's life now wears his crown.... Eliot is "a feeling which he cannot understand remains to poison life and construct action.... After the Ghost's visit, in...

• Word Count: 1979
• Approx Pages: 8
• Grade Level: High School

Living means he must fulfill his duty to his father by taking revenge against his uncle Claudius who is responsible for King Hamlet's death. ... Claudius is at prayer, and Hamlet surely doesn't want to send Claudius to heaven after he is absolved by prayer. ... Hamlet is now positive, without any hesitation, that he must do the same, even if it means his own life will be taken in the process. ... Hamlet is absolutely certain he will take another life to restore his honour, his father's honour, and the honour of Denmark. ... Claudius" death is the only way to rid the sin and...

• Word Count: 1261
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School