Why Is Horatio Important In Hamlet

A poisoned dagger could be hidden in the shadows behind every friend throughout life, each biding their time for the perfect moment to lunge towards the jugular. Severing all ties to such volatile relationships preserves personal happiness and well-being. The dilemma becomes, however, distinguishing between those who remain loyal and selfless and those who clench this bare bodkin behind their back. Hamlet, of William Shakespeare's Hamlet, experiences these two extremes firsthand. It is through Hamlet's peer and dear friend, Horatio, that he is gifted with a true confidant, and through childhood companions, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, that he is cursed with duplicitous adversaries. Stark differences lie in the manner of interaction between

Clearly, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern had been effective in doing so with Hamlet, being referred to as "childhood friends", at the beginning of the play, but all that history was thrown out of the window the minute the pair agreed to spy on their, at one time, friend (2.2.1-26). If they truly felt compelled to remain loyal to Hamlet, then they would have revealed Claudius' true intention the minute they came upon him. Horatio, on the other hand, consistently uncovered the truth, even it meant trouble in Denmark. The night he witnessed the ghost appear on the guard platform, he knew it could engender a great deal of turmoil within the prince. To Hamlet he said, "As I do live, my honour'd lord, 'tis true; and we did think it writ down in our duty to let you know of it" (1.2.222-224). Horatio recognized that it was his duty to alert his friend that his dead father walks again. Horatio proves himself to be truthful to Hamlet at every

Unfortunately for Hamlet, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are motivated by greed, not love. From the very beginning they were willing to do or say whatever is necessary to endear themselves to King Claudius. Upon their arrival, Rosencrantz attempts to curry favor by saying, "Both your majesties Might, by the sovereign power you have of us, Put your dread pleasures more into command Than to entreaty," with Guildenstern adding, "But we both obey And here give up ourselves, in the full bent, To lay our service freely at your feet To be commanded" (2.2.25-32). Enacting Claudius' every order may bring them the wealth and social status advancement that they so desperately desire, but only at Hamlet's expense. Conversely, Horatio put himself in danger every time Hamlet was in need. After Hamlet's meeting with his father's ghost, he insisted to Horatio, "Never make known what we have seen to-night," to which Horatio replies with, "My lord, we will not" (1.5.147-148). Agreeing to harbor such treasonous secrets would certainly result in the detachment of Horatio's head in the event that Claudius were to find out, but Horatio is ready to accept the consequences if the situation arises. All the way to Hamlet's dying breath, Horatio remains true. Following Hamlet's poisoning, Horatio melancholily remarks, "Never believe it. I am more an antique Roman than a Dane. Here’s yet some