Why Is Hamlet Selfish

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The fact that he is not contented with the task he has to fulfill is the main reason for his inaction throughout the play, and although on several occasions has the opportunity to take his revenge, he always seems unable to act. So, despite the fact that Hamlet contemplates the idea of taking action, he finds reasons not to do so, always postponing “that it should come to this!” (1.2.136) Needless to say that the inconsistency between what Hamlet says and does evidences more his reluctance to take revenge upon his uncle. His hesitation, whether to kill Claudius or not, is justified as an undeserved favor that he would do him, by taking away his life.
“A villain kills my father, and, for that,
I, his sole son, do this same villain send
To Heaven.
Oh, this is hire and salary, not revenge.” (3.3.76-79) …show more content…

Scholars usually fault him for his failure to act, and as J.D. Wilson stated ”Shakespeare makes us feel that Hamlet is shirking a plain duty, and that he is blameworthy for his neglect” (224). His indecisiveness, as well as his inability to understand that the human mind cannot be controlled with utmost perfection for grounds such tragic end. Hamlet’s incapability to convince himself that what he is doing is the right thing is a clear example of it, as well as his motif for procrastinating over the matter: “My words fly up, my thoughts remain below/Words without thoughts never to heaven go” (3.3.98-99). So, Hamlet’s doubts and inner conflict keep him from proceeding with his task (“it is almost against my conscience” (5.2.294)), and although he says many things, the reality is that he is unable to take action and punish his

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