Order from us for quality, customized work in due time of your choice.
The theme of death and revenge is multifaceted in Shakespeares works, as it is a classic strand of 16th- and 17th-century poetry. It is worth noting that revenge occupies a special place in the results because of its versatility and innocence. For Hamlet, revenge is an entirely new way of expressing his soul and experiencing tragic events. Shakespeare gives Hamlet an essential sense of reflection and compassion, giving him time to reflect on the need for revenge. Obstacles from his conscience and others delay his desire for revenge and provide an important lesson.
Laertes and Hamlet
Laertes story is one of mistrust for Hamlet and concern for his sister Ophelia, with whom Hamlet has a romantic relationship. Laertes tells Ophelia, Fear it, Ophelia; fear it, my dear sister, And keep you in the rear of your affection, Out of the shot and danger of desire (Shakespeare 41). Shakespeare uses this as the beginning of Laertes revenge story, stating the danger of Hamlet as a man (Abdulrazzaq 95). At the same time, the character of Laertes is rougher, moodier, and more violent: he will quickly go into a rebellion because he harbors resentment and a desire for revenge. Shakespeare reveals the consequences of this behavior and these desires that lead nowhere.
Laertes is aware of his grief, understands the unhappiness and what revenge will lead to, but still chooses to follow this path. He decides to retain his glory but go for revenge because otherwise, he would go against his conscience. His last words are, Till of this flat a mountain you have made T oertop old Pelion or the skyish head Of blue Olympus, and Hamlet realizes that revenge will bring him pain (Shakespeare 255). Hamlet admits he is not ready for revenge because his honor is in the distance, and he cannot go against his conscience (Abdulrazzaq 95). He postpones his revenge because he realizes his path may become as thorny as Laertes. Hamlet is not prepared to bear the burden of trouble and terrible decisions, so he refuses to take revenge.
Fortinbras and Hamlet
Fortinbras and Hamlet are two parallel lines that suffer from the need to commit death. They bear the same names as their fathers but radically different in their behavior and established notions of honor. Fortinbras impulsiveness, quick decision-making, and courage are something Hamlet is not familiar with. His desire to avenge his fathers murder is powerful, and all his actions are motivated by it. His determination is unfamiliar to Hamlet, who hesitates and chooses long reflective reflections on life, death, and honor, as Fortinbras ambition frightens him. Fortinbras becomes the image of a man that Hamlet would not want to be: for example, he cannot afford to go against another country for a piece of land (Shakespeare 201). Hamlet is probably delaying his revenge because he fears that he too might backslide on his conscience, as Fortinbras chooses to pursue personal interests instead of justly reasoning about his actions.
Conclusion
Hamlets procrastination with revenge results from his lengthy reflective reasoning. They are characterized by his worries about notions such as honor, dignity, and conscience. Looking at Laertes, Hamlet sees a man who chooses his dignity as the main reason why revenge is a choice. He becomes convinced that the consequences of revenge can be terrible. Through Fortinbras, Hamlet realizes that over determination in decision-making is not always a good thing. He cannot find cruelty in himself to take revenge quickly and easily.
Works Cited
Abdulrazzaq, Dulfqar Mhaibes. Revenge Theme in Shakespeares Hamlet and Mahfouzs The Thief and the Dogs . Eurasian Journal of English Language and Literature, vol. 2, no. 1, 2020, pp. 92-98.
Shakespeare, William. The Tragedy of Hamlet Prince of Denmark. Folger Shakespeare Library.
Order from us for quality, customized work in due time of your choice.