The Strong Freindship Between Hamlet and Horatio in Shakespeare's Hamlet

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A true friend. For many, this is a concept that is easily personified but boundlessly difficult to explain. However, Michel de Montaigne, in his essay Of Friendship, attempts to clarify this relationship. Essentially, he states that true friendship occurs when both souls enjoy the connection and wish to have the relationship grow. Although this sounds much like love, de Montaigne claims the key difference is that passion is not constantly a factor among friends. This can be taken to mean that a friendship is a relationship that is chosen willfully, and cherished as much as a lover. In Shakespeare’s Hamlet, there is much evidence of such a relationship between the titular Hamlet and Horatio. The most compelling of this evidence is contained within Hamlet’s reaction to Horatio’s arrival in 3.2.
This encounter takes place directly prior to the “play-within-a-play” plot that Hamlet devises to ascertain Claudius’ guilt. In terms of local significance, this is when Hamlet makes Horatio aware of his plan, as well as an accomplice by asking him to observe Claudius. During the reenactment of the Murder of Gonzago, Hamlet is shown to lose most of his control and succumb to his passion, especially after Claudius’ reaction to the poison in the ear. Clearly excited before the play as well, Hamlet manages to maintain in control of his emotions here. This contrast of emotional control is depicted very clearly by Derek Jacobi. In that version Patrick Stewart’s Claudius exits the scene more calmly than expected, but Hamlet displays a madness that is witnessed by many in the audience.
Hamlet’s anxiety for the play to commence is best shown by his wish to not be “passion’s slave”. This demonstrates that Hamlet is aware of the separation of his “blo...

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...tio’s role in Hamlet is of great significance to the power of the play and to the shaping of Hamlet’s character. For Shakespeare, Horatio serves as a utility tool. Whenever an issue requires a specific perspective, or the truth of it needs to be shown to the audience, Shakespeare just introduces Horatio and his unfaltering credibility. Moreover, Hamlet’s admiration of Horatio demonstrates to the audience the aspects of man Hamlet considers most important.
Friendship is an idea that is easily forgotten and difficult to conceptualize. It is one thing to call another a friend, but a true friend is a completely different matter. In William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, this issue is addressed through the relationship of Hamlet and Horatio. Amidst all of the madness of the surrounding plot, this true friendship never wavered and remained true up until and after Hamlet’s death.

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