Decisions In Hamlet

Hamlet

In the play Hamlet, William Shakespeare portrays the moral idea that there are always consequences for our actions whether they be good or evil. With a surplus of death and malicious actions in the play, there's is almost always repercussions for one's actions. On the other hand, Shakespeare shows that sometimes decisions can be very beneficial to an individual if actions are taken. Therefore, the play Hamlet teaches the old saying to “think before you act”.

In Hamlet’s famous Soliloquy “To Be or Not To Be” Hamlet is weighing out the pros and cons of both murder and suicide. Hamlet knows that obviously murder would be a sin, but wonders if sinful actions can be justified. “ Whether ‘tis nobler in the mind to suffer The sling and arrows of outrageous fortune Or to

Claudius says “My stronger guilt defeats my strong intent”(3.3.5). King Claudius is saying that although is intent of killing his brother worked in his favor as far as getting what he wanted, yet his guilt overwhelms him. Unlike Hamlet in “To Be or Not To Be” King Claudius acts before he thinks, and in this case he shows signs of regret for his actions. Since the deed is already done and irreversible, Claudius is now begging for forgiveness and praying he will make it into heaven. “ Help my angels! Make assay! Bow,stubborn knees; and, heart with strings of steel, Be soft as sinews of the newborn babe! All may be well.”(3.3.34-37). Claudius is now realizing the severity of his sin and although he feels terrible, he believes that one day he will be forgiven for his sins. King Claudius did receive the throne of Denmark from killing his brother, but soon realizes that he did a terrible thing. Now what if Claudius would have just thought his actions through? The one thing for sure is that Shakespeare would not have a story to