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Wealth Inequality In Hamlet

920 Words4 Pages

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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