Hamlet, A Rational Thinker

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Recommended: The Character of Hamlet

“To be or not to be, that is the question,” the quote claimed by Shakespeare seems to have revolutionized the way people thought in the 17th century. After the death of his father, the king, Prince Hamlet takes up a vulnerable role in the text. Not only does Hamlet face the challenges of society by no longer having a father role and giving up his position to inherit the throne, but he also finds himself trapped at a loss of willpower when it comes to avenging himself for what Claudius has done. Although he seems to handle his situation well, his sanity is questioned after a series of murders at the finale of the text when Hamlet acts out on the anger that has been cooped up throughout the play. It seems that because of the lack courtesy on Claudius’ behalf, Hamlet is empowered to act. Hamlet’s indecision to act on avenging himself with King Claudius seems to be delayed and influenced by a cornucopia of factors that Shakespeare expresses throughout the text.

During the play, Hamlet seems to be one of the most rational thinkers in the text. The ill marriage to Hamlet’s mother Gertrude gives Hamlet more reason to disagree and act out against Claudius and his government. It was Hamlet’s “Mouse trap” that provides the standard as being one of his most aggressive acts through the text. His reinacting of King Hamlet’s death in front of Claudius seems to be the ideal concept behind trying to force Claudius into feeling guilty over what he has done. It seems that Hamlet does such a thing so that he is given more reason to actually act out on the desires he has of killing Claudius. Prior to this excerpt in the text, it is Hamlet’s conscience and mind that keeps him hesitating and making excuses for what he truly wants to do. ...

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Hamlet is seen throughout many events in the text as a very complicated character, yet is very wise and courteous towards himself as well as others. It seems that the integration between his reputation, his subliminal admiration for Claudius and the love for his mother and his people seem to delay his motion in killing Claudius in the finale of the text. He also seems to hold himself in high regard because of the fact that he has a desire to think of every possible consequence and scenario, hence having the will to make all of his actions justifiable. His indecision may be apparent throughout the text but it seems that he may have been clever enough to the point where he outwits his audience. Indecision may only be an excuse to his desire to prolong the process of King Claudius and actually manipulating every situation he may have been involved with.

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