Cicle of Revenge

Vengeance, a vicious circle, is a never-ending process. It does not solve the problem, but rather perpetuates and creates further complications. Though one must avenge a fallen friend or family member because of honor to impose a short-term solution, revenge will continue to unfold until everyone is punished. Vengeance almost always occurs with irrationality except with the intention to preserve one’s honor. However, like in Hamlet’s case, when one must avenge a blood-related family member, he must be cognizant of the repercussions and further bloodshed that will ensue. Likewise, Claudius should have realized what commotion his murder would have caused.

Ever since King Hamlet’s ghost appeared, Hamlet became obsessed with Claudius’ involvement in his father’s death. As I predicted based on what I experienced from previous Shakespearean plays, Hamlet was nearly driven to insanity as he pondered a scheme to seek revenge. Soon his mind became clouded as to whom he should trust in fulfilling his duty. Further complicating, fueling his anger, and stressing his mind are Ophelia’s dishonesty. (I like the clip you showed during class. Though it is not exactly like the play, I believe its effect of having a one-way mirror along with the exceptional acting of the Ophelia and Hamlet transcends what Shakespeare intended, in that it accurately provides us with a dramatic image that depicts his anger and tension.) Hamlet became depressed and saddened as he realized that not even his true love was supporting him. Having realized this, Hamlet decided that avenging his father’s death was all that he had to live for in his “terrible world”. I believe that readers can fully understand his desire to continue suffering in order to kill Claudius in his “To be or not to be” soliloquy. The most influential quotation addresses what suffering and pain he has endured to a point where he contemplated suicide. From this incident, he finally accepted that if he were to die by his own hand, he could neither fulfill his faithful duty nor die honorably.

When Claudius was praying, Hamlet had the absolute opportunity to kill him. However, having taken his father’s murder to a personal vendetta, Hamlet aborted the idea because he wanted Claudius to experience pain, guilt, and suffering. Shakespeare’s ability to convey Claudius’ suffering guilt cannot be expressed any better in how the burdened Claudius prays for forgiveness, “O, my offense is rank! It smells to heaven. / It hath the primal eldest curse upon’t / A brother’s murder. Pray can I not, / Though inclination be as sharp as will; / My stronger guilt defeats my strong intent… What if this cursed hand / were thicker than itself with brother’s blood, / Is there not rain enough in the sweet heavens / To wash it white as snow.” Having a person to constantly feel guilty seems like a suitable punishment that serves as a peaceful solution to revenge that will prevent further bloodshed. I think Hamlet should have stopped seeking revenge after he forced Claudius to reminisce about killing his brother because that guilt can haunt and torment the mind. (514)