Hamlet

            Consequence of Action or the Lack Thereof.
             William Shakespeare, using his brilliance for writing created a contrast of characters using a similar dilemma to create a constant as if he was performing an experiment. Personality, philosophy, purity, and action all equate to consequence. The result of these characteristics is determined by the amount in which they are used. If one is out of balance then the outcome has dire consequence resulting in chaos and mayhem. In Shakespeare's "Hamlet" this is very apparent through the embodiment of this exact scenario in Hamlet, Laertes, and Prince Fortinbras. All three men have lost their fathers to cold undaunting homicide and all three have been compelled to avenge their father's deaths. Yet the difference lies in the course of action each man takes. Hamlet chooses the path of modern man, deeply analyzing the matter yet to the point of disregarding the action at whole. Laertes decides to act brashly and with the passionate fury of anger, runs into headstrong dispute. And lastly young Fortinbras combines intelligence with vivacious action to provide the most successful path towards paternal revenge. Through the parallels of these three characters, William Shakespeare proves that the purity of action will determine the outcome of the exploit.
             The introduction of Prince Hamlet intensifies his malaise as Shakespeare displays an apparent contrast to the jollity of the kingdom's court and Hamlet's current state of mind. He is stricken with grief and turmoil over the death of his father and more importantly the haste marriage between his mother and uncle. His uncle only fuels Hamlet's suspicions of foul play when he and Queen Gertrude advise him to surmount the lament of his father's death. Even to the point of stating "With only suspicion, Hamlet is granted a glimpse of truth when he encounters the ghost of his deceased father, King Hamlet. In his encounter Prince Hamlet says to the Ghost, "Speak; I am bound to hear.