Claudius's Influence On Hamlet

When one is in control of events and all goes as planned, the effect is invigorating and reaffirming (think offense in football). Yet, oftentimes control slips away as something unexpected slips into the plan (think interception or fumble). Now, events are outside one’s control and one must analyze the situation, consider all possible scenarios which could result, and come up with responses to each scenario (think defense in football). Being on the defensive often affects one’s mental state, leading one to not only question the motives of those in control, but also leading one to second guess one’ own responses to the events. If the events are large enough in magnitude, one’s mental stability, like one’s ability to influence what happens, can

However, through the Dumb-play staged by Hamlet, Claudius sees his own actions and his mental state changes. He is forced to internally confront himself about the atrocities that he has committed. Though he tries to repent, asking for God’s forgiveness, he realizes he is weak and that he enjoys too much the benefits he obtains from his position as king and cannot capitulate. Rather than give up his position and the benefits that come with it, Claudius changes his attitude toward those around him. He begins to become more sensitive and commiserative, mourning for the loss of Polonius and even begins to truly love Gertrude. However, despite Claudius’ change for the better, he is still unable to let those whom he cares for come before his ambition and desires. He believes Hamlet must die (though not with his own hand in deference to Gertrude), and he perpetrates a grand, circuitous scheme to have him killed. When the plot via Rosencrantz and Guildenstern fails, Claudius manipulates the grieving Laertes to do the deed, which fails as well. Claudius’ last hope is that Hamlet will drink from the goblet he (Claudius) poisoned, but this fails as well when Gertrude drinks from the goblet instead. Claudius’ does not stop Gertrude from drinking the poison because to do so will implicate him in the plot; his prideful self-interest overrides his desire to change. (SP