The Marxist Lens In William Shakespeare's Hamlet

“Hamlet,” one of William Shakespeare’s most famous plays, remains relevant to contemporary audiences, as it portrays timeless themes that transcend the common limitations of historical text. A compelling way to analyze “Hamlet” is through the marxist lens, comparing how different characters use power to exploit others weaknesses, or other insights into the plays social and political dynamics. By examining the characters Polonius and Claudius, we can gain a deeper understanding as to the contradictions and conflicts within the ruling class, as well as to how these dynamics shape the events within the play.Hamlet is a tragedy by william shakespeare that tells the story of Prince Hamlet of denmark, consumed by grief and seeking revenge on his

Yet his position as advisor to the king undermines the importance of loyalty, duty, and service to the state. “...Your bait of falsehood takes this carp of truth, And this do we wisdom and of reach, With windlasses and with assays of Bias, by indirections find directions out.” In this quote, Polonius is instructing reynaldo to use deceit and manipulation to gather information about Laertes. This highlights Polonius’s willingness to use underhanded tactics to achieve his goals, even if it means betraying his own son. This quote also relates to the usage of power by other characters in Hamlet, such as Claudius using his power to manipulate and control the people around him, such as his wife and son, to maintain his kingly position. Similarly, Hamlet uses his intelligence and wit to outmaneuver those who would seek to harm him or his family, such as when he stages a play to expose claudius’s guilt. This can be seen when Hamlet says “I'll have these players, Play something like the murder of my father, Before mine uncle: I'll observe his looks; I'll tent him to the quick: if he but blench,I know my course” He outlines his plan to have a group of actors perform a play depicting the

Polonius and Claudius are willing to sacrifice the well being of their family members for the benefit of the court, highlighting the way in which loyalty to the ruling class takes precedence over personal relationships. They are both concerned with maintaining and enforcing societal norms, reflecting the way in which the ruling class rules over those beneath them in the societal ladder. This evidence is pungent in the act of Polonius spying on his daughter to ensure she is behaving appropriately. Both Claudius and Polonius serve as antagonists in some form to Hamlet, but they both have different motivations and actions. Polonius is the chief counselor to King Claudius, and father to Ophelia and Laertes. He is shown as a busybody, meddling and inserting himself into others affairs. Polonius is ultimately killed by hamlet when he mistakenly behlieves him to be Claudius. We can see his hypocritical behavior in Act 1, Scene 3, when he gives advice to his sone Laertes: “Those friends thou hast, and their adoption tried, Grapple them to thy soul with hoops of steel; But do not dull thy palm with entertainment Of each new-hatch'd, unfledged comrade” This quote shows Polonius’ hypocritical nature, as he advises his son to be cautious in making new friends while