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The Consequences Of Hamlet In William Shakespeare's Hamlet

Decent Essays

Act III, Scene IV.
45. Though Hamlet asserting that Polonius was “a wretched, rash, intruding fool” is fairly uncalled for after the man’s death, the statement is a true one. Ever since his first appearance within the play, Polonius has been revealed to both be a man of little intellect as well as one with a habit of spying (he has spied on Hamlet on multiple occasions as well as sending off an assistant to do the same with his own son). Despite Polonius’s nature, Hamlet is not justified in murdering the man. Hamlet even admits that he had committed such a heinous act in a fit of rage and that he will have to deal with the consequences. The murder has no valid reason, it is merely understandable.

46. Hamlet and Gertrude have a rather turbulent relationship, mainly stemming from Hamlet’s disgust by her marriage to his uncle and general distrust of women. He loves her just as much as any son and respects her, but his rage over her recent actions has caused him to view her as a vile person rather than the woman who raised him. Hamlet’s reproaches cause her to grow distraught, claiming that her son will murder her as he rages over what she's done and urges her to repent. Gertrude is terrified of her son within this moment and believes him to be a madman.

47. The ghost’s presence in this scene serves both the dramatic purpose of reminding Hamlet of what he has been instructed to do as well as highlight the prince’s madness. Though Hamlet sees the ghost as clear as day, Gertrude

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