Topic > Hamlet by William Shakespeare - 1423

The expression "an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth" is never taken literally in the present day, as it only exaggerates the idea of ​​revenge or karma, but this saying has taken on a completely new meaning in the famous tragic revenge play of Hamlet, written by William Shakespeare in 1601. What attracts this masterpiece so much, for audiences of many decades, is the fact that revenge plays a rather important role in the whole play, motivating not only characters but developing an extended plot. Revenge is the overarching theme that weaves through each character's actions, forcing some to act out of blind anger and emotion rather than thoughtful reasoning. A senseless and emotional retaliation took hold of Fortinbras, Laertes and Hamlet; consuming their lives with the obligation to take revenge on the people who killed their fathers. Revenge almost led to the downfall of all three men and is an easily rationalized emotion. Shakespeare develops the plot using revenge as the backbone of the story, showing characters like Fortinbras and Laertes easily achieving their revenge while Hamlet hesitates to kill at every first opportunity. As glorious as revenge may seem, it is a very dangerous theory to live by, as clearly depicted in Hamlet. Hamlet has many plots, but revenge is the main strategy developed throughout the entire play. Plots that emphasize revenge often focus on the protagonist seeking retaliation against the antagonist for a real or imagined injury (Kramer). Revenge is often an easy plot to develop over the course of a play because revenge is naturally desired but is a challenging goal to achieve. In a revenge tragedy the focus is more on the act of revenge than on a meaningful examination of the character... middle of paper... the revenge game everyone has taken the punishment for the murder into their own hands, wanting only revenge on the killer and honor their fallen fathers. Three men made very big bets, bets that interested and intrigued many people. Their grand gestures ultimately led to the fall of a kingdom and many lost souls. Hamlet and Laertes' determinations of revenge led to their deaths; while Fortinbras, without carrying out or attempting his revenge, gained lands and power. Revenge can lead to great amounts of success and wealth, or establish a fatal flaw that guarantees death. Although there is a possibility of survival and victory with retaliation, the consequence of acting through revenge can backfire on a person, especially if the revenge was carried out by an invisible impulse rather than refined reason. Once a person reacts, a great unbreakable chain of revenge is created.