Topic > An analysis of the theme of revenge in William Shakespeare's Hamlet

In modern times justice is practically always served. Most crimes and wrong actions are reprimanded and punishments are meted out. Yes, there are few who go beyond the law to take matters into their own hands. But it is the formality of law and justice that keeps the world from becoming chaotic. Revenge is considered barbaric and adolescent; the opportunity to take revenge or gain satisfaction. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Justice is fair and impartial behavior or treatment. In Shakespeare's Hamlet three characters experience the sudden death of a family member. The way these characters deal with their problems shows the anger and confusion that exists within the play. Hamlet, Laertes, and Claudius allow madness to poison their minds, disable the possibility of justice, and allow cold-blooded revenge to take over. With the unexpected death of his father, Laertes is overcome with misplaced anger and unanswered questions. Looking for answers he turns to Claudio. At this point Laertes is frustrated and susceptible to a cure for his pain; to find it, he turns to Claudio. Claudio presents his revenge plan. “No place, in fact, should kill sanctuaries. Revenge should have no limits. But, good Laertes, you will do this, remaining in your room. These words are like a fishing reel, hooking the naive fish with the illusion of a satisfying worm. Laertes has an unsaturated hunger for revenge, for vengeance for his father's murder. His word is like his blood, which seals a contact that will then lead to his own death. Madness takes over Laertes. He is blind to see that revenge is not the answer. Madness suffocates the soul of the faithful Laertes, who is unable to breathe the sweet words of righteous justice. Laertes challenges Hamlet to a fencing match, to compensate for his two defeats. Sanity leaves the mind of his beautiful sister, Ophelia, who leaves this world to join her father. Laertes, shocked and enraged, demands a duel against the prince. Laertes and Hamlet exchange words before the match. The match begins, with two blows against Laertes, the chances of him hitting Hamlet are reduced. The sword dipped in poison cuts the skin of the unaware Hamlet. His exposition is now tainted by Laertes' deadly vengeance. Filled with anger and seeking revenge, Hamlet pierces Laertes' skin with the poisonous sword. Both are sentenced to death. Laertes' last words plead for forgiveness. Justice puts a murderer to death. Justice leaves the victim, Polonius' son, to deal with his own issues of forgiveness. Revenge blackens the heart of the victim and transforms his innocence into ignorance. With the quest for self-satisfying revenge, Laertes becomes naïve to the simplistic answer, to justice. Unlike Laertes and Hamlet, Claudius is presented as the villain. At the beginning of the play Hamlet is visited by the ghost of his father. The Ghost explains to Hamlet what happened. Hamlet swears revenge on Claudius for the murder of his father. The kingdom experiences a funeral and a wedding in the span of two months. Queen Gertrude is involved in both. The only person who sees anything wrong with this is Hamlet; he consequently confronts Gertrude. Here is your husband, like a moldy ear/Blowing up his healthy brother. Hamlet opens the door so his mother can reach out and become aware of Claudius' hands covering her eyes making it impossible for her to see her surroundings. He realizes who the killer is.”