William Shakespeare's dramatic tragedy Hamlet is truly a work of art. Any piece of literature that has the capacity to generate so much debate and last for hundreds of years must be pure genius. Upon examining Shakespeare's characters in this play, Hamlet proves to be an exceedingly complex character, and functions as the key element to the development of the play. Throughout the play we see many different aspects of Hamlet's personality by observing his actions in exacting his revenge on his uncle, Claudius, who killed his father and incestuously married his mother to take control of the throne. The question of why Hamlet delays in taking revenge on Claudius for so long has puzzled readers and audience members alike.
Some critics believe that Hamlet simply thinks too much. He wants the murder of the King to be perfect. Claudius has to go to hell and the people have to know about the murderer Claudius. Unlike most erratic behavior of individuals seeking revenge out of rage, Hamlet considers the consequences of his actions. Hamlet has the mind of a true thinker. However, his mind was holding him back at the same time. Hamlet spends too much time planning and not enough time doing, thus making the King's murder more complicated and belated. His need to analyze and prove everything certainly drew his time of action farther and farther away. As illustrated through the self-reproaches in his soliloquies, Hamlet continuously doubted himself and whether or not the action that he wanted to take was justifiable.
According to the philosophy of the human race, the ability to think and reason separates man from animal. It is with this very important fact in mind that one can first begin to interpret the question, why does he wait so long to kill Claudius? It is a question of morals and ethics, both of which can pose many of life's greatest challenges. As Edward Wagenknecht puts it, "this is the tragedy of a man who could not make up his mind.
Hamlet's delay in killing his uncle is understandable. ... However there are also many reasons for Hamlet's delay in killing Claudius. One reason for delay is he's just seen a ghost. ... Hamlet has many reasons for delaying to kill Claudius. ... Although at times Hamlet appears wishy-washy his delay is understandably human. ...
In the play Hamlet by William Shakespear, Hamlet delays seeking revenge on Claudius for his fathers murder. ... The second time Hamlet delays in enacting his revenge, occurs just after the play within a play. ... Though Hamlet does delay in enacting his revenge, there may be reason for the procrastination. ... In conclusion in the play Hamlet by William Shakespear Hamlet chooses to delay his plans of revenge for his uncle Claudius for many reasons. ... Thus Hamlet's delays were brought on by himself but with specific intentions. ...
Hamlet's Delayed Action Hamlet is an emotional human being who feels guilt, remorse, and has responsibilities; he also feels pride and a sense of duty. ... The Ghost, Hamlet's father, explained his death and instructed Hamlet to kill Claudius. ... Upon recollection Hamlet considers that this may be an evil ghost so he delays killing Claudius. ... Preventing the king from going to Heaven and the need to confirm the King's guilt are two valid reasons Hamlet delays killing the King. ... The Prince's delay was justified through the nature, actions, and beliefs of many...
The most often, the only flaw that has been attributed to Hamlet is his delay. ... More critics, especially during popularity of Freud, have tried to explain Hamlet's delay exclusively from psychological point of view. ... Understanding this scene is crucial in understanding Hamlet's delay, for we seem to be puzzled because what is Hamlet's motive. This delay is why Hamlet's role as a hero is in total jeopardy when put under archetypal criticism. ... So, Hamlet does delay, but with purpose to create his deed momentous when the right moment comes. ...
Hamlet is presented with the knowledge of his fathers murder, knows it within himself to be true, yet delays in carrying out a sentence so richly deserved. Throughout the story we watch as Hamlet delves within himself to find the reason for the delay, only find out that there is no reason. ... Hamlet avoids his role throughout this play, delaying action as the avenger to become the judge and jury. ... Could his social contract with his King delay his vengeance? ... The question was never fully answered by Shakespeare himself as to why Hamlet delayed his vengeance and thus caused the deat...
Despite the bizarre appearance of the ghost, Hamlet encounters many obstacles that delay his ability to get revenge. ... Although Hamlet finally realizes that the ghost is not evil another obstacle delays Hamlet's revenge. ... Hamlet's revenge is again delayed when Claudius sends him to England after discovering that Hamlet mistakenly murdered Polonius, thinking it was Claudius. On Hamlet's journey to England he observes the Prince of Norway, whose ambition motivates Hamlet to successfully avenge his father. ... Hamlet's hesitation and internal conflicts delay him from ...
Hamlet's delay in killing his uncle is understandable. ... However there are also many reasons for Hamlet's delay in killing Claudius. One reason for delay is he's just seen a ghost. ... Hamlet has many reasons for delaying to kill Claudius. ... Although at times Hamlet appears wishy-washy his delay is understandably human. ...
Hamlet's Delayed Action *Hamlet is an emotional human being who feels guilt, remorse, and has responsibilities; he also feels pride and a sense of duty. ... The Ghost, Hamlet's father, explained his death and instructed Hamlet to kill Claudius. ... Upon recollection Hamlet considers that this may be an evil ghost so he delays killing Claudius. ... *Preventing the king from going to Heaven and the need to confirm the King's guilt are two valid reasons Hamlet delays killing the King. ... The Prince's delay was justified through the nature, actions, and beliefs of ma...
