How Does Hamlet Fight Against Claudius

In Shakespeare's Hamlet, Claudius’s soliloquy in Act 3, Scene 3, demonstrates that he is a very ambitious, selfish and sorrow individual with a sense of guilt. Claudius is very ambitious to where his lust for power often drives his actions. His desire for power will often lead to horrible consequences. For instance, it was revealed in Claudius’s soliloquy that he did in fact murder King Hamlet, his own brother. There are no limits to what Claudius will surpass in order to achieve what he wants since killing his own brother was not crossing over the line and he saw King Hamlet as nothing but a barrier standing in his way of gaining power. For example, Claudius expresses that “My guilt is stronger than my intentions. And like a person with two opposite things to do at once, I stand paralyzed and neglect them both”, meaning that

Throughout the entirety of Shakespeare’s play, Hamlet, if one looks carefully, one can see many aspects of Marxist thought prevalent in the story. To effectively analyze a story through a Marxist critical lens, the reader needs to pay close attention to how characters of different classes interact with one another, especially in respect to class oppression and social inequity, particularly if the actions or words of a character talk of rebellion against the upper classes. “To Marxist critics, a society's economic base determines the interests and styles of its literature; it is this relationship between determining base and determined superstructure that is the main

The capacity and organization Hamlet holds using his supporters to overcome Claudius is real because his fellow citizens love him. Claudius is aware of Hamlet’s power. It creates an atmosphere where Claudius is unable to think openly or behave hostilely towards Hamlet (Knights, 1966, p. 103). The issue is Hamlet is not able to organize his supporters as a mob because of his principle nature prohibiting him from following through (Cahn, 1996, p.101). Without this choice the only way for him to avenge his father’s death, is by him alone, taking action against Claudius. This leaves

When Hamlet seeks revenge, he begins the inter­generational strife, but Claudius takes a less than direct method of fighting back. Rather than confront Hamlet with either words or weapons, Claudius attempts to turn Hamlet’s piers against the prince. In so doing, Claudius seems to believe that change the war from an inter­ generational one to a intra­generational one which involves only the young would leave him inculpable and safe in the throne. His methods are extraordinary, but Hamlet’s familiarity with his own generation protects him from this generational treason until the final moments of his life. After killing the elder Hamlet, Claudius attempts to restore order in his generation, and hopes to prevent conflict between him and the young.

In any society, a congregation of people ensures the creation of classes, and the dynamic interaction that ensues between them. Terry Eagleton, a British literary theorist, analyzed the works of Karl Marx in the nineteenth century. The ideas of class, class struggle, revolution, and power are evident in Marxist Theory, an exploration into the hidden interactions of power that envelop a society. In any instance of social order, there exists, “the capitalist class who owns those means of production, and the proletarian class whose labor-power the capitalist buys for profit” (Eagleton 3). The result of these distinct classes is, “the economic structure of society . . . or ‘base’ or ‘infrastructure’” (Eagleton 3). The base gives rise to the “superstructure—certain forms of law and politics . . . whose essential function is to legitimate the power of the social class which owns the means of economic production” (Eagleton 3). The application of these interactions in society is apparent in the play Hamlet, specifically the events that propel the play to a start. The kingdom of Denmark is ruled by the excellent King Hamlet, whose tempestuous brother, Claudius, recognizes his position in the class that adheres to the superiors. In this setting, a man who has royal blood, yet fails to become involved into the line of succession, has no future in rule. In the case of Claudius, there is no future as the ruler of Denmark, for Hamlet himself is next in the line of succession. Claudius is an observant man who recognizes that his position as merely a servant to King Hamlet’s wishes is suppression, and thus desires freedom of reign. Analyzing the effect of Marxism present in the French Revolution, author George C. Comninel declared that the event, “was to be overthrown by the revolution of the proletariat, the ‘universal class’ of humanity, realizing true human emancipation” (Comninel 29). In this salvation of revolution, that expands the mind from oppression, Claudius fins a similar transformation in power. Claudius kills King Hamlet, and thus is granted the power of a King. In killing his brother, the unintended consequences of the transferring of power in such a superior arena propels Hamlet forward. But what does an

Claudius’s Tragedy The rise and fall to and from power can often be turbulent. If it is accidental, as is the case with unwanted succession of the throne then little harm is done. However, if power is taken by force, the consequences are usually disastrous. In Hamlet by William Shakespeare, the author displays that greed for power and the will to do anything to to retain power, will not only destroy themselves but also everyone around them.

After the death of King Hamlet, Hamlet fails to take responsibility for the Kingdom of Denmark. Instead, he remains silent and seems to only observe the occurrences that take place. His silence gives Claudius (his uncle), a chance to take over the throne and become the new king. Claudius justifies his reason for coming to power when he says, “Now follows that you know. Young

Hamlet and Claudius both have many needs which are determined by a part of their psyche: the id. One major desire is for the throne of Denmark. Hamlet has repetitive lapses of angst which are based on the fact that Claudius robbed Hamlet of his rightful crown. As Hamlet says “I lack advancement” (Shakespeare, 3.2.324), “Popped in between th’ election and my hopes” (Shakespeare, 5.2.70); these are just a few of the times when Hamlet sees Claudius as someone between him and the crown of Denmark. Claudius’ desire for being king; this is more perceptible as his greed lead to an “offence [that] is rank” (Shakespeare, 3.3.39): the murder of his brother. Hamlet’s need for the crown and Claudius’ position as an obstacle create the dramatic situations that lead to the tension between them. Hamlet wants the throne, but Claudius has made it impossible as he has already declared Hamlet as the heir to the kingdom, therefore giving Hamlet no basis of argument making him powerless in this way. As Hamlet has the dominance behavioral system syndrome, he lacks a way out of this submissive role where his power and pride are hurt. He thus instigates the conflict by reacting to and talking to Gertrude in a provocative manner and insulting Claudius. The fact that he treats Gertrude badly is because he is also looking for something to vent his anger out on.

It is quite obvious that everyone is usually obedient towards their family, even if it is unwanted at times. Well the same goes for Hamlet. In the court scene, Hamlet speaks with the king and queen, with Claudius trying to act more like a new father figure to Hamlet. However, Hamlet does not obey his orders, but pretends to for the sake of others. For instance, Hamlet only listens to his mother’s request to remain in Denmark. As an example, “Let not thy mother lose her prayers, Hamlet. I pray thee stay with us, go not to Wittenberg”. Hamlet responds by saying “I shall in all my best obey you, madam (1.2.118-120).” This shows Hamlet’s respect for his mother and his obedience towards her even with the recent events that have transpired. George Rylands concurs, “Claudius...with the Queen’s aid he persuades him not to return to the University of Wittenberg” (Rylands 36).

Class struggle is noticeable in Hamlet. The royals exploit the lower class to satisfy their ambitions. People from the working class carry out the Aristocrats commands and they hold an insignificant rank in their society. The Aristocrats notably Hamlet, Claudius, and even Gertrude oppress others to obtain what they want and show that they are superior. Claudius poisons his own brother and marries Gertrude to have a stronger chance at being king since she is “the imperial jointress,” to the throne; he does not marry Gertrude because he loves her; he is using her to obtain the power (I.ii.9). Even when he gets the throne, he still wants more power and seeks to murder Hamlet because the prince knows his secret. Claudius also uses Guildenstern and Rosencrantz to spy on his nephew. The men carry out his orders without protest; they are “like an ape, in the corner of/ [Claudius’] jaw;” the king is using them to find out the reason for Hamlet’s sudden madness and when he will get what he wants; he will get rid them (IV.ii.18-19). Claudius uses Laertes to get rid of Hamlet because he wants his nephew to remain inferior to him because the people of Denmark love Hamlet and they will want him as their ruler; Hamlet is a menace to Claudius and an obstruction between him and the ultimate power.

Hamlet really wanted the revenge on Claudius but was really on the fence of what to actually do to follow through with then plan. Claudius was brave to feel so free, as Hamlet had opportunities to take advantage of him and had plenty of hate towards him for more than one reason. The action Hamlet may want and outcome of it, may be completely different as to what his father would do or like him to do.

In Shakespeare’s play Hamlet he draws much attention to the delay of Hamlet’s revenge, but never gives a reason as to why. After the death of King Hamlet, Prince Hamlet is distraught and upset. When he learns that his father was murdered and asked to seek vengeance by his father’s ghost his personality alters again. There are five main reasons for Hamlet’s delay of pursuing revenge for his father’s murder, some of which have been studied and fought over by many critics. The theory that was believed by Freud was that Hamlet has an Oedipus complex that allows him to connect with Claudius.

While examining Hamlet through the Marxist Lens, one could see King Claudius as the powerful and abusing bourgeoisie and Hamlet as the proletariat trying to overthrow him. Claudius is the best representative of the wealthy and

In the book of Hamlet, William Shakespeare introduces the character King Claudius in act one scene two. The character makes an impression of a powerful man who commands respect from every individual. Shakespeare portrays Claudius’ role as the most crucial and intriguing person. In the play, Claudius is the most mysterious, the most controversial and the most discussed character as many people look at him only to see a villain. As the play starts, Claudius is the King of Denmark, who has inherited Gertrude, and the uncle to prince Hamlet. As with the rest of supporting characters in the play, Claudius is underdeveloped to his complete potential (Mabillard,n.p). His major role that he plays in Hamlet is to spawn Hamlet’s anger and confusion

The misuse of power in Hamlet exemplifies the corruption in the upper class due to their suppressive nature towards the plorient class. The upper class or bourgeoisie such as the monarchy in Hamlet believe their stance in the social ladder subjects them to all the power. In various cases throughout history the bourgeoisie ruled at the same level as God. For instance, Claudius showcases the abuse of power the bourgeoisie exudes onto the proletariats when he confesses to murdering his brother to obtain “[his] crown… and [his] queen”, which also displays his lack of morals for gaining access power (III.iii.58). He killed his own brother in order to achieve political, social, and economic power, which further presents his corrupt desire for authority. Also, the event reflects the Marxist lens because of the proposal that economic gain is the motive for all political and social acts. This desire for total control results in a corrupt upper class and government because their only concern is themselves. During Shakespeare's time writing Hamlet Claudius’s turpitude acts can be correlated to his era when “the corruptions of a declining feudalism were beginning” (Fribleman 142). Shakespeare’s experience with a corrupt higher class whose only regard is acquiring power lives through the unethical character of Claudius. By having the upper class reach a substantial amount of power they gain even more political influence over the proletarians because of their dominance in economic and social systems.