Envy In Hamlet Research Paper

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The play Hamlet by Shakespeare is one of his many plays that ends in tragedy. Hamlet in particular has many factors that play into the domino effect that will ultimately result in the demise of the main characters. This play is similar to dramas you would see aired on TV today in the way that they both use the seven deadly sins. They both include pride, lust, wrath, greed, sloth fulness, yet the most prominent sin being envy. Envy is such a strong emotion that it can lead anyone, of any station in life to their ultimate demise. I believe envy to be the cause of the multiple tragedy’s in this play. Before Claudius could’ve been greedy or even act on his greed, he would’ve had to have been envious of his brother first. As it turns out he was jealous enough to kill him, “Upon my secure hour thy uncle stole, with juice of cursed hebona in a vial, and in the porches of my ears did pour the leprous distillment” (257). Claudius was jealous of his brothers money and title, not to mention he was coveting the queen as well. It could also be said that once Claudius took the throne that Hamlet may’ve been experiencing some jealousy of his own over the crown. Along with Hamlet’s plot to seek revenge over his father’s murder, he very well could’ve been seeking his …show more content…

In this, all of their secrets come out and destroy each other's lives, “The drink! The drink! I am poisoned” (350). The king has unintentionally murdered his wife by means of trying to kill Hamlet. After this takes place Laertes is killed with his own sword by the hand of Hamlet. Yet before Laertes dies he tells Hamlet that this is all the kings doing, Hamlet then runs Claudius through with his blade and forces down the poison meant for himself, “Here, thou incestuous, murd’rous, damned Dane, Drink off this potion. Is thy union here?” (351). After Hamlet dies of being cut by Laertes sword, Horatio is the only one left standing, wondering where it all went

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