How Does Shakespeare Use Horatio

Amongst the myriad of characters in the famous Shakespearean novel Hamlet is someone that plays an imperative role in the progression of the novel. This special someone is known as Horatio, the faithful friend of Hamlet. Introduced as an intelligent man, Horatio is loyal, calm, and collected. His oath of friendship to Hamlet is so deep that is willing to commit suicide rather than live without Hamlet. It is through this special relationship with the main protagonist Hamlet that we see Shakespeare utilizing Horatio to his fullest extent. Shakespeare introduces Horatio in the novel in order to serve as Hamlet’s confidant, represent an anchor of truth and reason, and create variation to the dialogue in the novel. We can see that Shakespeare

Through their conversations we can see that Hamlet really feels for Horatio and trusts him. Hamlet is able to confide and speak his mind to his closest friend because of this very reason. As readers we are fortunate enough to be able to have a first row seat to these conversations that allow us to know what Hamlet, the main protagonist, is truly feeling. An example of Hamlet confiding Horatio is when he trusts Horatio by telling him that he has a plan to test his uncle’s guilt. Hamlet says, “There is a play tonight before the king. One scene of it comes near the circumstance which I have told thee of my father’s death. I prithee, when thou seest that act afoot, Even with the very comment of thy soul... Observe mine uncle. If his occulted guilt do not itself unkennel in one speech,It is a damnèd ghost that we have seen, And my imaginations are as foul” (Act 3 Scene 2). At this very moment he trusts Horatio and is able to give him

There are many moments where Horatio is able to give Hamlet good advice or provide him with reason/truth. Horatio actually warns Hamlet to not follow the ghost of his father by saying, “What if it tempt you toward the flood, my lord, Or to the dreadful summit of the cliff That beetles o'er his base into the sea, And there assume some other horrible form Which might deprive your sovereignty of reason And draw you into madness?” (Act 2 Scene 4). This shows that he is one of the only people in the story that is sensible and isn’t slowly falling into madness. He recognizes this madness and gives Hamlet great advice, which is an imperative function in the novel. Horatio also informs him that he has seen the ghost, which further solidifies the notion that he holds valuable information and advice for Hamlet. He says, “As I do live, my honour'd lord, 'tis true; And we did think it writ down in our duty To let you know of it” (Act 1 Scene 2). It is through these moments that Horatio deems an integral part of the storytelling in