Themes: Spirituality and Revenge

Download PDF PDF Page Citation Cite Share Link Share

In act 1, a ghost claiming to be Hamlet’s father accuses Claudius, Hamlet’s uncle, of having stolen the crown, the queen, and the late king's life. Claudius’s punishment, the apparition says, must be death. Murdered before he had the chance to repent for his earthly sins, Hamlet’s father has been sent to purgatory, a state between heaven and hell where he is "confined to fast in fires / Till the foul crimes done in [his] days of nature / Are burnt and purged away." The ghost’s tormented existence in purgatory presents Hamlet with a perplexing and difficult choice: to sin by murdering Claudius may expose Hamlet’s soul to the very same divine punishment his father speaks of, yet to allow Claudius’s sins to go unpunished would mean betraying his deceased father and king. This conflicting choice weighs heavily on Hamlet, whose contemplative nature leads him to reflect at length upon his spiritual and moral obligations. Even when he catches Claudius in an unguarded moment, seemingly at prayer, Hamlet's opportunity to achieve a swift and perfect revenge is thwarted by his religious questions: if Claudius is killed while praying, Hamlet wonders, will Claudius be sent to heaven? This uncertainty stays Hamlet’s sword—though unbeknownst to Hamlet, Claudius's guilt prevent him from engaging in true prayer.

As the play progresses, Hamlet appears to shed his concerns about the spiritual implications of his revenge, a shift that perhaps signals his own mental deterioration. He murders Polonius without regret; manipulates and abuses Ophelia, likely contributing to her madness and death; and vengefully orchestrates the demise of his former friends Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, dismissing their fate as "not near my conscience." In the graveyard in act 5, Hamlet reflects once again upon what it means to die, yet now he appears preoccupied with the finality and inevitability of physical death rather than what awaits in the spiritual afterlife. 

Hamlet is ultimately a product of his religious and social context, which are brought into conflict throughout the play. He has been raised to be a nobleman of honor and loyalty, yet this same honor puts him in the impossible position of choosing between upholding his religious ideals and remaining loyal to his father. As he lays dying, Hamlet says that "the potent poison quite o'ercrows my spirit," referring literally to his fast approaching death but also perhaps figuratively to the corrupting effects of revenge on his immortal spirit.

Expert Q&A

What is the significance of this passage from Hamlet?

"Good Hamlet, cast thy nighted color off, And let thine eye look like a friend on Denmark. Do not forever with thy vailèd lids Seek for thy noble father in the dust. Thou know’st ’tis common. All that lives must die, Passing through nature to eternity."

The significance of this passage from Hamlet is crucial in establishing Gertrude's character of firm resolve in overcoming life's trials. Gertrude has moved on after the death of King Hamlet, and she is urging her son to do the same, emphasizing that everything dies, while stressing the idea that her late husband's death was "common."

What is the meaning of these lines from Hamlet, Act 3, Scene 1: "Who would fardels bear, / To grunt and sweat under a weary life, / But that the dread of something after death..."?

The lines from Hamlet, Act 3, Scene 1, delve into the existential dread of the unknown after death, which discourages suicide despite life's heavy burdens. In this famous soliloquy, Hamlet reflects on the wearisome aspects of life, termed as "fardels," and the fear of what lies beyond death, termed the "undiscovered country." This fear of the afterlife's uncertainties, from which no one returns, leads him to endure life's sufferings rather than facing the unknown aftermath of death.

Discuss the supernatural elements in Hamlet.

The supernatural elements in "Hamlet" are crucial, beginning with the appearance of King Hamlet's ghost. This ghost creates anxiety and doubt for Hamlet, who must discern whether it is his father's spirit or a devilish trick. The supernatural presence points to evil forces at work, adding fear and uncertainty. This theme also ties into the pervasive question of death, a subject Hamlet grapples with throughout the play. Shakespeare uses these elements to enhance the play's dark atmosphere.

How does Shakespeare use sin and salvation to add depth to Hamlet?

Shakespeare uses sin and salvation to add depth to Hamlet by highlighting the moral struggles of the characters. Claudius's unconfessed sin of murdering King Hamlet traps the king's soul on earth. Hamlet hesitates to kill Claudius during prayer, fearing it would grant Claudius salvation. Additionally, Hamlet wrestles with the morality of revenge and suicide, fearing eternal damnation. These themes complicate the revenge narrative with Christian notions of morality.

What is the dramatic function of the ghost in Act 1 of Hamlet? How does it contribute to the play's central themes?

In Act I, Scene 5, the ghost of Hamlet's father tells Hamlet to avenge his murder. The ghost describes how Claudius murdered him by pouring poison in his ear while he slept. The ghost reveals that he was killed without any proof of his wrongdoing and that Claudius has now married Gertrude, Hamlet's mother. The ghost warns Hamlet not to avenge him until he sees "the serpent" (Claudius) show his true nature.

In Hamlet, what is Shakespeare's message about revenge?

Shakespeare's message about revenge in "Hamlet" reveals it as a complex and destructive force. Hamlet's pursuit of revenge leads to tragic consequences, including the deaths of Ophelia, Polonius, and others, highlighting its messy nature. The play suggests that revenge can be seen as a form of justice when the law fails, as with Claudius. However, it questions the morality and effectiveness of revenge, showing Hamlet's struggle and ultimate transformation into a ruthless avenger.

Ophelia's Christian Burial Despite Suicide

In Hamlet, Ophelia receives a Christian burial despite likely suicide due to her noble status and her family's influence, highlighting societal inequalities. The gravediggers humorously debate this, implying that political favors led to her death being ruled accidental. Shakespeare critiques the Catholic Church's stance on suicide, suggesting favoritism for the elite. This reflects broader themes of privilege and the influence of social status, as well as the church's historical flexibility in matters involving nobility.

How do Claudius, Gertrude, and Hamlet receive their "just rewards" in Hamlet?

In "Hamlet," Claudius receives his "just reward" by being killed after his schemes to murder Hamlet backfire, resulting in multiple deaths, including his own. Hamlet, often criticized for his indecision, also dies as a consequence of his delayed actions, leading to a tragic chain of events. Gertrude, however, is seen as more of a victim; she marries Claudius for protection and is ultimately caught in his murderous plots, dying without clear culpability.

Get Ahead with eNotes

Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.

Get 48 Hours Free Access
Previous

Themes: Deception and False Appearances

Next

Themes: Misogyny and Gender

Loading...