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Similarities Between Hamlet And Claudius

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Recommended: Analysis of shakespear's HAMLET

Hamlet and Claudius have similarities beyond the sharing of blood and differences that sever the family bond. Hamlet’s suicidal tendencies and confliction of murder bubble up in his monologue while Claudius is battling a half guilty conscious and the urge to pray. These thoughts of bring rise to similar emotions, however Hamlet and Claudius come to different resolutions at the end of each of their monologues. They both dissect the source of their resolve and in turn raise the question what is the greatest source of motivation for each of them.
By observing the monologues with a superficial glance, one is lead to an arguably superficial motivation for each character. Hamlet seeks the sweet release of death and questions that if he were to “end the heart-ache” due to his father’s passing, that it would be worth the payment of his soul in Hell. The motivation of the contemplation for suicide then is perceived as heart-ache, and the tone of it underlies the monologue, such as when Hamlet mentions “the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,” implying a poor drawing of fate due to his father’s murder (3.1.58). The other option debated in the monologue, to murder Claudius rather than himself, does not arise until much later in it, it being first referenced in …show more content…

The connections that are made in Hamlet between Hamlet and Claudius and the similar sources of motivation emphasizes the differences between the two characters. While the motivation is similar for both, the cause and result of it diverges when it is viewed at beyond its core meaning. Hamlet’s sources of motivation end up causing him to have the resolve to go kill Claudius, while Claudius’s motivation causes him to attempt to save himself by praying. The two characters’ thoughts work off each other throughout the play, even if the characters themselves are not aware of what the other is

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Claudius is then compared to the internal organs of slaves and a man without morals, remorse or kindness (Ham.2.2.607-608). The powerful metaphors and adjectives used to describe Claudius not only express Hamlet’s intense contempt and disdain towards him, but also serve to convince Hamlet to commit murder. However, Hamlet depicts himself as a whore, a prostitute, and a swearing kitchen maid (Ham.2.2.614-616), reiterating the notion that he is worthless, as well as weak for expressing his emotions through words rather than actions. The shift from metaphors to similes indicate Hamlet’s failure to move past his cowardice and proceed with an act of revenge that would inflict

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Throughout the play, Hamlet is forced to make difficult decisions; as he is conflicted with almost every decision he makes, his uncertainty and unsophisticated thoughts will eventually lead to his downfall. Man vs. Self is a common theme in Shakespeare’s work, and Hamlet is no exception. The most distinct example of this sophisticated concept is Hamlet himself. When analyzed thoroughly, Hamlet is his greatest obstacle and enemy. The earliest of his internal conflicts is when his mother married his uncle, Claudius, in such a short window of time after his father’s death.

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The main character of William Shakespeare’s tragedy is actually a confused person that’s stuck between two choices. Some may argue that he feels guilty for his father’s death and so it’s his duty to avenge it. While others may disagree and conclude that he is just a maniac who is both violent and dangerous. Hamlet passes through the lane of hesitancy, where he hesitates to kill King Claudius. As a matter of fact, the main conflict of Hamlet is that he feels both the need to solve the crime and punish the responsible.

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Hamlet’s perspective causes him to stall and make excuses as to why he should wait to kill Claudius such as waiting till Claudius has sin, in order to ensure that he wouldn’t go to heaven. His perspective on life through his soliloquy “to be or not to be” allows us as readers to interpret to the development of Hamlet’s character. It reveals his inner thoughts and adds more quality to the play. In this soliloquy, Hamlet is contemplating suicide, but is haunted by the unknowns of the

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However, Hamlet’s goes through a journey of different feelings towards this motivation. Hamlet is initially ardent to kill Claudius, driven by his anger and hate towards him. For example, Hamlet describes his hate for Claudius when he exclaims, “O villain, villain, smiling, damnèd villain!... At least I’m sure it may be so in Denmark (1.5.107–110). His description of Claudius as the villain shows that Hamlet seeks to commit justice for the corruption that Claudius has brought about.

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