The Shift of Claudius’ Manipulation from Ambition to Necessity in the Hamlet. Ambition is the desire to achieve prominence through any means necessary. In Shakespeares’ play ‘Hamlet’, the theme of ambition is predominately shown directly through Claudius and the murder of King Hamlet, the wedding of Gertrude, and the intent of murdering his nephew, all through his manipulation with the desire for more power. Although it may have started as ambition, Claudius' manipulations throughout the play are due to necessity of not being guilty rather than personal advancement in power. Claudius’ decision to kill his brother was made purely out of ambition to be king, however, Claudius did feel regret as he prayed in solitude. Claudius’ further actions and …show more content…
Although Gertrude learns the truth, she is more loyal to Claudius by telling him of what Hamlet did, even when she told Hamlet before that she would avoid Claudius. Based on anglo-Saxon legends, the media form called “The Northman” depicts Amleth avenging his fathers death and hunting down his uncle. Queen Gudrun reveals to Amleth that the old king was selfish and cruel, although it appeared as if he was noble and kind. This parallel between Gertrude and Gudrun shows their love for their new spouse from Gertrude’s implicit betrayal to King Hamlet by being loyal to Claudius and Gudruns explicit proclamation of Amleth’s fathers truest self. Gertrude telling Claudius the death of Polonius led to the dire necessity of planning Hamlet's death. Claudius never intended to kill Hamlet, nor anyone else, after he became king. Even when Claudius first sensed that Hamlet knew the truth about his father. Instead of killing Hamlet right away, he tells Rosencrantz and Guildenstern “I like him not, nor stands it safe with us to let his madness