WHY WAS HAMLET IN ENGLAND

hamlet, one of william shakespeare’s most famous plays, is a tale of tragedy, revenge, and madness. set in denmark, the play follows the young prince, hamlet, on his quest to avenge his father’s murder. throughout the play, hamlet’s actions and decisions are influenced by various factors, including his father’s ghost, his own grief, and the political turmoil in the kingdom. one significant event in the play is hamlet’s sudden departure to england. in this article, we will explore the reasons behind hamlet’s journey and its impact on the overall plot.

1. the ghost’s command

after encountering his father’s ghost, hamlet is informed of his uncle claudius’s treacherous act of killing his own brother, king hamlet, in order to seize the throne. the ghost implores hamlet to seek revenge and not to harm his mother, queen gertrude. however, to ensure hamlet’s safety, the ghost warns him of the potential danger he faces in denmark and advises him to flee to england. this marked the beginning of hamlet’s journey across the sea.

1.1 escaping claudius’s surveillance

by going to england, hamlet could escape the watchful eyes of his uncle claudius and his spies within the royal court. claudius, aware of hamlet’s suspicions and potential threat to his reign, becomes increasingly wary of the young prince. sending hamlet away would not only remove him from the immediate vicinity but also provide claudius with an opportunity to further his plans without interference.

1.2 seeking allies

in addition to ensuring his safety, hamlet’s journey to england allows him to seek potential allies against claudius. he hopes to gain support from prince fortinbras of norway, who has a personal vendetta against denmark. by forming an alliance, hamlet aims to strengthen his position and increase his chances of successfully avenging his father’s murder.

2. completing his father’s wish

on his deathbed, king hamlet beseeches his son to avenge him and restore order in denmark. by travelling to england, hamlet is fulfilling his father’s wish and assuming the role of the righteous avenger. it is a duty he feels compelled to fulfill, driven by a mix of grief, anger, and a sense of justice.

2.1 the justification of revenge

hamlet, torn between his desire for revenge and his philosophical contemplation, constantly questions the morality and consequences of his actions. however, his journey to england signifies his ultimate decision to pursue justice through revenge. by taking matters into his own hands, hamlet believes he can restore balance and rid denmark of the corrupt claudius.

2.2 symbolic redemption

hamlet’s journey to england also serves as a symbol of his personal journey towards redemption. his journey represents his transformation from a grief-stricken and indecisive young prince to a determined avenger who is willing to face any challenges to fulfill his duty.

3. political implications

hamlet’s journey to england has significant political implications not only for the characters in the play but also for the overall plot.

3.1 shifting power dynamics

with hamlet absent from denmark, the power dynamic within the kingdom undergoes a shift. claudius, now unchecked by hamlet’s presence, can consolidate his grip on power and implement his nefarious plans without interference. this creates tension and suspense as the audience wonders whether hamlet’s absence will ultimately benefit or hinder his quest for revenge.

3.2 the threat of fortinbras

hamlet’s intended alliance with prince fortinbras poses a threat to claudius’s rule. fortinbras seeks to reclaim the territories lost by his father to denmark, and with hamlet’s support, he becomes an even more formidable force. this political subplot adds complexity to the overall narrative and raises questions about the potential outcomes of hamlet’s journey.

conclusion

hamlet’s journey to england is a pivotal moment in the play that serves multiple purposes. it allows him to escape claudius’s surveillance, seek alliances, fulfill his father’s wish, and contribute to the shifting power dynamics within denmark. as the play unfolds, hamlet’s journey becomes essential in driving the plot forward and showcasing the tragic consequences of revenge and political ambitions.

frequently asked questions:

1. why did hamlet go to england?
2. did hamlet find allies in england?
3. did hamlet fulfill his father’s wish?
4. how did hamlet’s journey impact the power dynamics?
5. what were the political implications of hamlet’s journey?

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Опубліковано Максим на 13 12 2023. Поданий під Відповідь. Ви можете слідкувати за будь-якими відповідями через RSS 2.0. Ви можете подивитись до кінця і залишити відповідь.