The Problem of Fathers and Sons in Hamlet - Essay Example

Fathers and Sons in Hamlet William Shakespeare’sHamlet is today recognized as one of the seminal work of the Western canon of literature. The play is a richly textured and complex tragedy that investigates questions of human meaning and existence. This spectrum of investigation is framed within a plot of deliberation, where young Prince Hamlet debates murdering his stepfather as a means of avenging his father’s death. The play’s complex nature contains within it a number of prominent themes. One of the prominent themes is the exploration of the relationship between fathers and sons. This essay examines this relationship within the context of the play, arguing that Shakespeare purposely complicates this relationship as a means of adding texture and tragic depth to the text. One of the most prominent relationships between fathers and sons in Hamlet occurs between Hamlet and the ghost of his deceased father. While Hamlet and his deceased father only converse a small amount throughout the play their interactions marks the play’s predominant motivation. In Hamlet and the ghost’s first interaction the ghost remarks, “So art thou to revenge, when thou shalt hear” (Act I, scene v). Here the ghost is indicating that upon learning the news he will seek revenge. The ghost continues, “I am thy father's spirit,/Doom'd for a certain term to walk the… Till the foul crimes done in my days of nature” (Act I, scene v). This statement reveals that the ghost is Hamlet’s father and that he is doomed until the crime committed against him is avenged. The ghost continues, “Murder most foul, as in the best it is;/ But this most foul, strange and unnatural” (Act I, scene v). This statement reveals to Hamlet that he was murdered. Hamlet’s relationship with his father is one of a strong bond and upon learning this he responds that he, “May sweep to my revenge” (Act I, scene v). This statement demonstrates Hamlet’s strong devotion and also mirrors a vengeance theme that will later be echoed by Laertes for his own father. Hamlet’s father continues, “The serpent that did sting thy father's life/ Now wears his crown” (Act I, scene v). This indicates that Hamlet’s uncle was his murderer. Upon discovering this news, it confirms Hamlet’s suspicion and leads him to respond, “O villain, villain, smiling, damned villain!/ My tables,--meet it is I set it down,/ That one may smile, and smile, and be a villain;” (Act I, scene V). This statement is highly indicative of both the passion Hamlet holds for his murdered father and provides unique insight into the enmity he holds towards Claudius. Even as this relationship embodies Hamlet’s motivation throughout the text, the ghost only appears one more time. This second incarnation demonstrates a more paternal relationship. Upon seeing the ghost of his father Hamlet states, “You heavenly guards! What would your gracious figure?” (Act III, scene iv). Here he is asking for his advice. The ghost responds, “Conceit in weakest bodies strongest works:/ Speak to her, Hamlet” (Act III, scene iv), indicating Hamlet should speak to his mother. Ultimately this relationship is one of respect and admiration, with the ultimate sign being Hamlet’s willing to murder Claudius to avenge his father’s death. Another prominent relationship between fathers and sons in Hamlet occurs between Polonius and Laertes. This relationship remains positive throughout the text and only drastically shifts after Polonius is murdered and Laertes seeks to avenge his death. The first instance of this relationship occurs in the first act of the play as Polonius remarks, “He hath, my lord, wrung from me my slow leave Bylaboursome petition” (Act I, scene ii), indicating that Polonius approves of Laertes leaving. One of the most prominent demonstrations of this relationship occurs early in the text as Laertes is preparing to leave Elsinore. Giving advice, Polonius states to Laertes, “This above all: to thineownself be true;” and then wishing him goodbye, Polonius states, “Farewell: my blessing season this in thee!” (Act I, scene iii). Laertes responds to Polonius by indicating, “Most humbly do I take my leave, my Lord” (Act I, scene iii). This is indicative of a positive and healthy relationship; notably this is exactly the opposite of Hamlet’s relationship with Claudius. A prominent shift in this relationship understandably occurs after Polonius’ death. At this point Laertes relationship with his father becomes one of seeking vengeance. He states, “Let come what comes; only I'll be revenged/ Most thoroughly for my father” (Act IV, scene v). Similar to Hamlet’s reaction to his own father’s murder, Laertes’ strong reaction to Polonius murder demonstrates their strong bond; Polonius states, “O heat, dry up my brains! tears seven times salt,” (Act IV, scene v). As the play advances Laertes comes to indicate an even stronger devotion to his father, stating how he seek to, “To cut his throat i' the church” (Act IV, scene vii), referring to Hamlet. Laertes undergoes this process, stating, “Whose motive, in this case, should stir me most/ To my revenge:” (Act V, scene ii), before he takes a foil and attempts to murder Hamlet as the ultimate sign of loyalty to his father. Perhaps the most complex relationship between fathers and sons occurs between Hamlet and his stepfather Claudius. This relationship is highly conflicted and functions as the text’s major plot device. The first instance of this conflicted relationship occurs in the play’s opening act. Claudius remarks to Hamlet, “But now, my cousin Hamlet, and my son, --“ (Shakespeare Act I, scene ii). Here Claudius is referring to Hamlet’s nature as his nephew, as well as his son. Hamlet reveals his displeasure with this relation as he responds, “A little more than kin, and less than kind” (Act I, scene ii). This statement is a play on words as Hamlet is referencing the nature of Claudius matrimony to his mother Gertrude, the nature of Hamlet’s being as not from Claudius, as well as kind in the sense of kindness. This demonstrates Hamlet’s disregard for his stepfather Claudius. As the scene progresses the text reveals that Hamlet is not simply angry with his stepfather, but holds venomous rage. In a soliloquy Hamlet states, “But two months dead: nay, not so much, not two:/ So excellent a king; that was, to this,/ Hyperion to a satyr; so loving to my mother” (Act II, scene i). Here Hamlet is indicating his outrage as Claudius married his mother after only two months. As the play advances Hamlet increasingly seeks ways of determining whether Claudius truly killed his father. In these regards Hamlet has a play put on; he states, “the play 's the thing/ Wherein I'll catch the conscience of the king” (Act II, scene ii). This demonstrates Hamlet’s increasing suspicion and desire to catch Claudius. Still, during the early parts of the play Claudius has more of a concern for Hamlet than he does a strong worry. He indicates this through defensive statements as, “Love! his affections do not that way tend; Nor what he spake, though it lack'd form a little,” (Act II, scene ii). He also shows respect for Hamlet, despite his perceived madness, indicating, “Madness in great ones must not unwatch'd go” (Act II, scene ii). However, as the play advances Claudius becomes increasingly wary of Prince Hamlet and notes, “And he to England shall along with you” (Act III, scene iii), indicating that Hamlet will be sent away from Elsinore. This increasing concern is reflect in Claudius internal thoughts as he states, “O, my offence is rank it smells to heaven;/ It hath the primal eldest curse upon't,” (Act III, scene iii). Here Claudius has been profoundly impacted by Hamlet’s vengeance and has begun to be tormented by the murder. Ultimately, the relationship between Hamlet and his stepfather during the first part of the play is highly conflicted, but not yet murderous. The relationship between Hamlet and his stepfather Claudius shifts from venomous to murderous as the play develops. One of the predominant indications of the shift in this relationship occurs as Hamlet comes across Claudius praying; Hamlet states, “Now might I do it pat, now he is praying;/ And now I'll do't. And so he goes to heaven;” (Act III, scene iii). This indicates that Hamlet is willing to murder his stepfather but refrains from doing so because Claudius would go to heaven. While Claudius has been increasingly wary of Hamlet, he still is not ready to have him murdered; referring to Hamlet’s madness after killing Polonius Claudius states, “How dangerous is it that this man goes loose! Yet must not we put the strong law on him:” (Act IV, scene iii). Claudius does indicate to Hamlet that he must be sent away, “For that which thou hast done,--must send thee hence/ With fiery quickness” (Act IV, scene iii). Claudius relationship with Hamlet starkly changes after Hamlet returns. Claudius indicates to Laertes that, “Revenge should have no bounds.” (Act IV, scene vii), indicating his increasing willingness to have Hamlet murdered. Towards the play’s conclusion Claudius indicates, “The king shall drink to Hamlet's better breath;” (Act V, scene ii). Here he is indicating that he wishes Hamlet to prevail in his dual with Laertes. Still, it seems clear the king is being fake; still he continues to indicate, “Our son shall win” (Act V, scene ii), continuing to indicate his paternal relation. Still, Hamlet’s hatred and vengeance remains as he ultimately turns and stabs Claudius, stating, “The point!--envenom'd too!/ Then, venom, to thy work.” (Act V, scene ii) and then “Here, thou incestuous, murderous, damned Dane,” (Act V, scene ii). Ultimately, like Laertes vengeance on Hamlet, Hamlet’s vengeance on Claudius is indicative of the most pure sign of devotion. In conclusion, this essay has examined the relationship between fathers and sons in Hamlet. In this context of understanding, relationships between Hamlet and his deceased father, Polonius and Laertes, and Hamlet and Claudius are examined. Ultimately these investigations reveal that the relationship between fathers and sons in Hamlet is highly complex and constitutes the main motivation and plot developments throughout the play. References Shakespeare, William. "Hamlet." Shakespeare. MIT, 2011. Web. 29 Oct 2011. . Read More