Plans Never Work-Out In Hamlet

Shakespeare's Hamlet is a tragedy that obviously ends very tragically. There are many recurring themes, however, “Plans never work out, especially for the wicked” is certainly the most prevailing. Throughout the entirety of this play, it is shown through the actions of Polonius, Claudius, Laertes, and Hamlet. One by one their plans fall apart and end in not just failure, but also or even death. “Plans never work out, especially for the wicked” is proven by the deaths caused by Polonius, Claudius, Laertes, and Hamlet’s plots to murder each other.

Polonius, the father of Laertes and Ophelia, also acts as a spy for Claudius, has the brilliant plan to eavesdrop on Hamlet and Gertrude as they talk.

Polonius. After the play let his queen mother

To tell him his commandment is fulfilled, That Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are dead. (Act 5, Scene 2, 370-371)

After Hamlet’s return, Claudius sets up a duel between Laertes and Hamlet. The plan is a treacherous one, where they wish to poison Hamlet, either by sword or by cup.

Claudius. With ease, or with a little shuffling, you may choose a sword unbated, and in a pass of practice Requite him for your father. (Act 4, Scene 7, 134-137)

Laertes. I will do ’t. And for that purpose I’ll anoint my sword. (Act 4, Scene 7, 138-139)

However, this results in Queen Gertrude drinking the poison, Hamlet and Laertes both get cut with the poisoned sword, Hamlet forces Claudius to drink the poison, and they all die. This is the last plan in the play, and it just so happens to kill almost all of the remaining characters.

Laertes- I am justly killed with mine own treachery (Act 5, Scene 2, 302-303)

Gertrude- The drink, the drink! I am poisoned. (Act 5, Scene 2, 306)

Despite the fact that Claudius’ plan to take the throne worked, it didn’t end well at all since death and expanding the Norwegian empire was the only outcome. By murdering the old king, he put himself on Hamlet’s bad side, despite his initial plan to adopt the prince as his