Hamlet Revenge Quotes

While from some perspectives it could be considered rewarding and worthwhile, revenge has more often proven to be a destructive and dangerous ambition, generating distress instead of satisfaction. As the tragic story of Hamlet progresses, it explores the various consequences of vengeance. Hamlet approaches avenging his father’s murder by expressing a carefully calculated madness, yet it’s evident that his bizarre behavior turns genuine. Although his only objective is to murder King Claudius, he first takes the life of Polonius, a councilor to Claudius. He later attempts an apology for Laertes, the son of Claudius, claiming that “Hamlet denies it. Who does it, then? His madness.His madness is Hamlet’s enemy” (Hamlet 5.2.50-53). Not only does

If he was still in a healthy state of mind, he would not have killed Polonius, nor would he have used his madness as an excuse for his wrongdoings. Furthermore, referring to himself as “poor Hamlet” implies his desire for sympathy, disregarding that he is the one who took the life of an individual. Hamlet’s yearning for revenge resulted in him completely abandoning his morals, which is correspondingly shown through the downfall of his relationships. Hamlet’s mother, Queen Gertrude, married Claudius only two months after King Hamlet died. This gives rise to resentment in Hamlet as he feels she betrayed his father by moving on too quickly while he is still overwhelmed with grief. Gertrude then falls victim to Hamlet’s revenge scheme, as he noticeably pushes her out of his life. When Hamlet eventually attempts a conversation with her, she asks “Why, how now, Hamlet?...Have you forgotten me” (Hamlet 3.4.16-18)? This question conveys a deep feeling of neglect within Gertrude, indicating that Hamlet’s isolation from her has left a considerable effect on her and their

It is apparent that he has made avenging his father’s death his top priority, putting his relationships with his loved ones last. Not only did Hamlet completely lose his relationships while chasing after vengeful justice, but he was also devastated and cost the lives of many. His scheme evokes an additional revenge plot against him, led by Laertes and Claudius. Hamlet continuously looks to murder Claudius as Laertes and Claudius look to murder Hamlet, ultimately leading to a bloodbath at the end of the play. This event occurs during a fencing duel against Hamlet. Laertes and Claudius poison the tip of Laertes’ blade as well as a cup of wine, all in an attempt to kill him. Gertrude, Claudius, Hamlet, and Laertes all die due to either drinking from the cup or being wounded by the poisoned sword. Hamlet dies in the arms of his friend Horatio and begs him to tell Fortinbras, the Prince of Norway, what happened. Horatio obliges and prepares to recite the story of “carnal, bloody, and unnatural acts, of accidental judgments, casual slaughters, of deaths put on by cunning and forced cause” (Hamlet