How Is Hamlet A Decent Man

577 Words3 Pages

A Noble But A Decent Man Hamlet, the central character in William Shakespeare's play, is a complex figure who elicits a range of reactions from the audience. While some view him as a tragic hero whose pursuit of justice leads to his undoing, others see him as a corrupt figure who is consumed by his desire for revenge. In my opinion, Hamlet is both a noble and decent man who is ultimately corrupted by his obsession with vengeance. At the outset of the play, Hamlet is depicted as a thoughtful and reflective individual who is struggling to come to terms with his father's death. He is portrayed as a sensitive and intelligent young man who is deeply affected by the events around him. For example, in Act I, Scene ii, Hamlet laments, "How weary, …show more content…

He is expected to behave in a certain way and to uphold the values of his social class. For example, in Act I, Scene iv, Hamlet tells Horatio, "Something is rotten in the state of Denmark." This statement reveals Hamlet's commitment to justice and his belief that it is his duty to right the wrongs he perceives in his society. Despite his noble character and commitment to justice, Hamlet is ultimately corrupted by his desire for revenge. He becomes obsessed with avenging his father's death and is willing to go to any lengths to achieve his goal. For example, he stages a play within a play in Act III, Scene ii, to test the guilt of his stepfather, King Claudius. Hamlet's obsession with revenge leads him to kill Polonius in Act III, Scene iv, thinking that he is Claudius. This action shows Hamlet's descent into madness and his inability to control his impulses. Furthermore, Hamlet's obsession with revenge causes him to lose sight of his moral compass. He becomes indifferent to the suffering of others and is willing to sacrifice innocent lives to achieve his goal. For example, he shows little remorse for the death of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, two childhood friends who are unwittingly caught up in his revenge plot. Hamlet's disregard for the lives of others is a clear indication of his moral decay and his descent into

More about How Is Hamlet A Decent Man