The Importance Of Indecision In Hamlet

Indecision, by dictionary definition is simply the inability to make decisions quickly. However, indecision itself is not actually such an intelligible term, but rather an overly complex one that dips into the intricate nature of the human mindset. This becomes even more accurate when the act of indecisiveness is paired with compelling circumstances. Oftentimes human beings are required to act irrationally because their circumstances force them to do so. Our opinions and actions seem justifiable, yet they may also come across as deceitful and immoral. The overriding internal conflict of choosing between personal desire and what is morally correct becomes the central aspect of many human trials. William Shakespeare, the writer of many well known

Lastly, Laertes is a character in Shakespeare’s play that is used as a character foil for Hamlet, meaning his character traits contrast noticeably with Hamlets. Laertes is a very decisive character who immediately acts on his desires, even if they are not necessarily logical or well thought out. He makes the choice to go to France to continue university without a second thought whereas Hamlet wanted to return to university but was persuaded to stay. Once Laertes hear’s of Hamlet murdering Polonius, he promptly returns to Denmark and knows undeniably that he wants revenge. He immediately begins to form a plan with Claudius to murder Hamlet, with no doubts whatsoever about his choices. He is firm in his actions and knows that though he could go to hell for murdering Hamlet, it’s still what he wants to do. He more or less “sees red” in the face of anger and is driven to act no matter what the consequences may be. His agreeance to partake in the fencing fight with Hamlet proves this. He is so sure in his decision that before the battle, he dips his sword in poison to ensure that if Hamlet does not drink the poison he will still be killed indefinitely. At the end of the play, his indecisiveness leads to his own death as well, but he also gets what he wants because Hamlet is still murdered. Though he may have acted rashly, his decisiveness in the face of hardship ultimately allows his hunger for revenge to be