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Wealth Inequality In Hamlet

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Heirs to the Wal-Mart fortune, the few living members of the Walton family are worth approximately 150 billion dollars, making them one of the wealthiest families in the world. While the vast majority of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, top-heavy income distribution continuously pads the fortunes of the top one percent. Dynastic wealth, such as that of the Waltons, exemplifies the constant struggle between the working class and the capitalist class. German-born philosopher, Karl Marx demonstrates the concept of wealth inequality through Marxist theory in which “Marxist analysis of human events and productions focuses on relationships among socioeconomic classes” (Tyson 52). A central concept within Marxism, classism, illustrates the …show more content…

Immediately after Hamlet murders Polonius, the King dispatches Rosencrantz to find Polonius' corpse. Rosencrantz succeeds in finding Hamlet and asks for the location of the carcass when Hamlet questions Rosencrantz, "besides, to be demanded of a sponge, what replication should be made by the son of a king?" (Shakespeare 4.2.12-13). Hamlet, as a member of the ruling class, has neither the obligation nor the desire to treat Rosencrantz with respect. He is able to speak with condescension to the working class inconsequentially, and the victim must tolerate the royal’s insults. Later, in 5.2, Hamlet explains how he returns from his journey to England and has Rosencrantz and Guildenstern killed. Hamlet justifies to Horatio that "they are not near my conscience… 'tis dangerous when the baser nature comes between the pass and fell incensed points of mighty opposites" (Shakespeare 5.2.65-69). Hamlet's reaction to condemning Rosencrantz and Guildenstern epitomizes the superiority of the bourgeoisie over the proletariat. The comedic duo were simply submitting to the will of their King in escorting Hamlet to England. Yet, they are needlessly killed off and had no other options but to die at the hands of their King or at the hands of the

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and Rosencrantz wonders “How can that be, when you have the voice of the king himself for your succession in Denmark?” (2.3. 337 -341). On the other hand, the way she treated Guildenstern in the scene with suspicion was because of the ghost of his father appearing to him and revealing his killer. The prince was aware that Guildenstern was a spy for Claudius and when she says she has been send by his mother the queen “ The queen, your mother, in most great affliction of spirit, hath sent me to you.” Hamlet replies “You are welcome” using a puppet to mock her, Guildenstern replies “Nay, good my lord, this courtesy is not of the right breed.

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Turning now to the absurd world of the two plays. To begin with, Hamlet finds himself in a world of actors where no one is who they seem. Claudius is playing the role of the king though his betrayal would suggest he is not meant to be king. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are playing the role of Hamlet 's friends while secretly working for Claudius. Even fair Ophelia, who Hamlet thought honest deceives him in Act 3 scene 1.

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Plus Claudius continues to see if he can find out what is causing his madness. In addition,when Hamlet’s deceitful friends look for Polonius’s body and asks Hamlet where it is,Hamlet said,”You sir are a sponge. Yes,sir,a sponge that soaks up the king’s approval,his rewards,and his decisions”(Shakespeare 218-219). This behavior showed disloyalty and not telling the truth. When they look for the old man’s corpse and they go to Hamlet he tells them to go to his uncle to serve as slaves who will be paid instead of working for Hamlet to just serve him for friendship.

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