How does Hamlet explore the theme of revenge? How do Hamlet’s views on revenge differ from other characters like Laertes and Fortinbras?
William Shakespeare’s Hamlet is one of the greatest tragedies in English literature. A central theme of the play is revenge. The story begins with Prince Hamlet learning that his father, the former king, was murdered by his uncle Claudius. This sets off a series of events that focus on Hamlet’s struggle to take revenge. However, unlike other characters such as Laertes and Fortinbras, Hamlet’s way of handling revenge is more thoughtful, slow, and full of inner conflict. Through these differences, Shakespeare explores different attitudes toward revenge and justice.
1. Hamlet’s Struggle with Revenge
After meeting his father’s ghost, Hamlet learns the truth about the murder. The ghost asks him to take revenge by killing Claudius. Hamlet agrees, but he does not act quickly. He thinks deeply about what it means to kill someone, especially a king. He worries about his own soul, the afterlife, and whether revenge is truly right. Hamlet delays taking action because he wants to be sure Claudius is guilty and because he wants to make sure Claudius doesn’t go to heaven by dying while praying. This delay shows that Hamlet is not just acting on emotion — he wants justice, not just revenge.
2. Laertes – The Man of Action
Laertes is very different from Hamlet. When he learns that his father, Polonius, has been killed by Hamlet, he rushes back to Denmark ready to fight. He does not stop to think or question. His reaction is fast and emotional. Laertes even agrees to a secret plan with Claudius to kill Hamlet using a poisoned sword. He is driven by anger and wants revenge immediately. This makes Laertes a contrast to Hamlet, who spends much of the play thinking before acting.
3. Fortinbras – The Noble Avenger
Fortinbras is the Prince of Norway. His father was killed by Hamlet’s father in a past war. Now, Fortinbras leads an army to take back land lost in that war. But he does so through careful planning and by asking permission to pass through Denmark peacefully. Fortinbras is brave and determined, but also wise and diplomatic. He shows a balanced approach to revenge — he wants justice for his father, but not through blind violence. At the end of the play, Fortinbras becomes king of Denmark, showing that his controlled and honorable way wins in the end.
4. The Differences in Their Approaches
- Hamlet thinks too much. He wants revenge but is afraid of doing wrong. He is always questioning.
- Laertes acts without thinking. His revenge is fast and emotional.
- Fortinbras represents a middle path. He is calm, thoughtful, and noble in his actions.
Shakespeare uses these three characters to show how people deal with the idea of revenge. Hamlet’s long journey shows how complex and painful revenge can be. Laertes shows how anger can lead to mistakes. Fortinbras shows that justice and honor can go together when one stays calm and wise.
5. The Final Lesson
In the final act of the play, all the revenge plots come together. Laertes and Hamlet both die, and Claudius is finally killed. But the cost is very high — many lives are lost. In his dying words, Hamlet supports Fortinbras as the next ruler. This shows that Hamlet sees Fortinbras as the true hero, someone who knew how to balance emotion with reason. Shakespeare seems to suggest that while revenge is a powerful force, it must be handled with care, or it can destroy everyone involved.
Conclusion
Hamlet explores revenge not just as an action, but as a moral and emotional struggle. Through Hamlet’s deep thinking, Laertes’ fast anger, and Fortinbras’ balanced leadership, Shakespeare gives us different views on what it means to seek justice. The play teaches us that revenge is not simple. It is full of pain, doubt, and consequences. The differences between the characters help us understand the dangers of acting too fast or thinking too long. In the end, the play reminds us that true justice must come with wisdom and honor.