Demetri Bichara Ap Literature and Composition Mrs. Heppard 23 January 2023 Ap Exam 2023: Hamlet’s inability The theme of royalty in literature explores what many readers may wonder about, the mortality and ability of kings to properly govern their nations. However, the prominence of mental illness in people of royal status is something that is often overlooked. While heavy, this angle is important for examining ability and discussing mortality. People with mental illness deserve help and should not be neglected and subjected to the responsibility of major positions of power, even if they want it. Claudius, in Hamlet, a play by Shakespeare, exemplified the unjust aspect of royalty. Claudius manipulated Polonius, (his former right-hand man), …show more content…
He is vulnerable to fits of rage, demonstrated by his murder of Polonius and his ridicule of his mother by calling her a “wretched, rash, intruding fool” (3.4 38). This emotional instability leads to poor judgment and rash decisions that could put Denmark in grave danger. An example of rash decisions in Hamlet is Claudius’ emotionally fogged decision to respond “It likes us well” (2.2.72) to Fortinbras’ plan to storm through Denmark to get a tiny piece of Poland, which ultimately allowed Fortinbras to take the throne. Moreover, Hamlet spends an unusual amount of time self-loathing “O, what a rogue and peasant slave am I!” (2.2.577) and raging: “Contagion to this world. Now could I drink hot / blood’ (3.2 422). At one point in rage, Hamlet recognizes “Soft” (3.2 425), however, he would find himself redirecting his purpose “to [his] mother” (3.4 425). This redirection further shows Hamlet’s instability as he knows that he should be solely focused and mad at Claudius, however, his hatred toward his mother clouds his decision-making and judgment. This shows his inability to be king, as he allows his emotions to fog his expertise and