Alfin Biju Miss. Quenell ENG4U 22 May 2023 The Lurking Shadow of Revenge Revenge is sought by people who have lost something beautiful and grave to them, it is a personal act of poetic vengeance. In Hamlet written by William Shakespeare, revenge is a lurking shadow following the death of King Hamlet. The balance of justice is present throughout the play, weighing the actions of those who commit sins and delivering their consequences. The story follows young Hamlet who in his point of view is the only one grieving the death of his father, King Hamlet. Hamlet soon finds out that his uncle, Claudius, is the one who murdered his father. Hamlet seeks revenge and kills Cladius, but what he has to sacrifice to achieve this is futile. Through the multifaceted …show more content…
When faced with avenging his father's death, Hamlet's emotional agony is apparent as he struggles with contradictory emotions and ethical dilemmas. As he contemplates the act of revenge, Hamlet reflects upon the consequences and the futility of his actions through this soliloquy "To be, or not to be: that is the question” (Shakespeare. 3. 1. 56). He weighs the consequences of what his actions could bring and the effects of what would happen if he does not act. This renowned soliloquy captures Hamlet's existential crisis, in which he questions the worthiness of pursuing vengeance and the meaning of existence itself. Shakespeare explores the various layers of the human psyche, highlighting the inner pain and contemplation that vengeance may elicit. Hamlet's arc of revenge is greatly contrasted by Laertes ' plan to avenge his father's death. Both Hamlet and Laertes have similar agendas in the story, both wanting to avenge their father’s death. Hamlet in his quest, mistakenly kills Polonius, the father of Laertes, which causes Laertes to fall into a deep spiral of hatred towards Hamlet. Where their ideology differs is how they both decide they need to seek revenge. While Hamlet's actions required logical reasoning and self-counseling, Laertes' decision was made up in an instant. This shows the viewer a deeper understanding of the different views of human nature, and how people have different moral