Human nature is the general psychological characteristics, feelings, and behavioral traits of humankind, that are expressed in different ways depending on the individual. In Shakespeare’s play, Hamlet, several themes are revealed throughout including greed, hatred, revenge, anger, and excessive pride all of which humans express naturally. Shakespeare establishes these themes through the personalities of his characters, their dialogue, and the events that take place throughout the play. These events also reveal the many features of human nature and Shakespeare’s outlook on the way humans behave and interact. Revenge causes the characters in the play to act impulsively through their anger and permeates all aspects of their life. It is a …show more content…
The conduct of family members reflects upon family honor and the way the family perceives itself, and is perceived by others. At the time Hamlet was written, young males were given the duty of defending their family name by seeking restitution from an individual who had wronged them. In Act 4 scene 7, Ophelia is grief stricken over the death of her father and with the rejection by Hamlet, she commits suicide. Laertes feels the need to defend her honor and blames Hamlet for her demise. At Ophelia's funeral, Laertes curses Hamlet (although not naming him) for killing his father and thus being the indirect cause of Ophelia's madness, “O, treble woe Fall ten times treble on that cursed head/whose wicked deed thy most ingenious sense/depriv'd thee of!” (V.i.240-243) Laertes is trying to avenge his father's death by the hand of Prince Hamlet. He can be seen as acting out of wrath or uncontrolled feelings of hatred and anger. The personal injury to his pride causes him to act out of vengeance. He first storms the castle and confronts Claudius. Then, he poisons his blade to kill Hamlet in grand fashion in front of the spectators at a public fencing match. It is only too late when he comprehends that the king is to