Betrayal In Hamlet And Death Of A Salesman

Betrayal is known as one of the most common themes expressed throughout literature. At times, this cruel theme brings to the reader acts of sympathy towards the character(s) that have witnessed deceit from another person. Authors address the theme of treachery within their works to derive a specific message across. Characters in Hamlet and Death of a Salesman contribute to this theme both physically among other individuals, and mentally within themselves to help gain their own desires. In William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the theme of betrayal is consistent throughout the play as each character betrays those who are close to them to further maintain their reputation and to achieve their own selfish gains. In the beginning of the play, Claudius betrays his own brother, King Hamlet, by taking his life. Thus enabling him to seize the thrown and gain total control. The ghost of the late King Hamlet informs his son how “that incestuous, that adulterate beast,

Gertrude betrays Hamlet and the late King Hamlet by marrying Claudius. Hamlet, being still depressed about his father’s death was further upset and felt betrayed by his mother when she quickly married Claudius alarming her that she has his father “much offended” because of her actions (Shakespeare 1455). King Claudius betrays Gertrude by indirectly killing her. He did not tell her that the cup she was going to drink from was poisoned, and he did not stop her either way even though he knew. When Gertrude realized “it is the poison’d cup” she has dranked from, Claudius notifies Hamlet “it is too late” to save her life (Shakespeare 1493-1494). Polonius betrays his own son, Laertes, by sending a servant to go spy on him. Polonius sends