Macbeth

            
             Revenge is the inflicting of punishment in return for an injury or insult and returns evil with evil. In the play Hamlet, by William Shakespeare, the theme of revenge is seen numerous times throughout the play and involves several characters. Revenge causes one to act blindly through anger, rather than reason. It is based on the saying, "An eye for an eye." Hamlet, Laertes, and Fortinbras all seek to avenge the death of their father's. While seeking revenge, Hamlet, Laertes, and Fortinbras all rely more on emotion than thought, which eventually leads to the downfall and death of two and rise of one.
             Revenge is first introduced in the play when Hamlet encounters his father's ghost. The ghost says: "The serpent that did sting thy father's life / Now bears his crown" (Act 1,v, 39-40). The ghost continues and asks Hamlet to, "Revenge his foul and most unnatural murder" (Act 1,v, 25). Hamlet is in shock and is angry when he became aware that Claudius murdered his father. Hamlet has not had enough time to mourn the death of his father. Therefore, he becomes outraged when he becomes aware that it was not a natural death. Although Hamlet is angry about the murder of his father he needs reassurance that it is in fact true. Hamlet then watches Claudius very closely while a re-enactment of Hamlet's father's death is being performed. Hamlet waits for a reaction .
             from Claudius to prove his guilt. Hamlet then says, "O good Horatio, I"ll take the ghost's word a / thousand pound" (Act 3, ii, 280-81). Hamlet declares that Claudius is guilty. Hamlet, now having the proof that he himself needed to continue with his plot of revenge, is more outraged then previously. Hamlet feels even more hatred towards Claudius, as he now knows and has seen Claudius" horrible ways for himself. Hamlet continues to seek vengeance for the death of his father in anger, as he is still mourning his fathers death and feel's it is his duty.