Death And Revenge In Hamlet, A Play By William Shakespeare

Hamlet Essay

As the streets are flooded with chaos, Death and Destruction pour on an empire. As the very thing they believed in collapsed, people scramble to escape. Empires have been built and destroyed over the centuries, but one thing has remained constant: the rise of humanity. Humanity can still progress even when an empire is destroyed. Hamlet is just one example of the many tragedies that societies have suffered. Hamlet makes one last request when the royal family is gone and an era ends. He asks Fortinbras to help him. Tell him, with the th’occurents. He has solicited more than he has-the rest of silence is silent.” (Shakespeare 283). Fortinbras is now the heir to the throne. An aggressive Norwegian prince with an impulsive temperament. These actions have the only effect of restoring a destroyed field. The entire reign of the Kingdom of Denmark was plagued by corruption. Fortinbras was the only person who could lead such a country. He had to be stable and have knowledge of the area. Shakespeare has taught us that not only must we destroy to grow but we must also be open to new opportunities. Shakespeare’s Hamlet uses continuous death and revenge as a way to demonstrate how an entire family’s death can be a benefit for an empire’s progress.

Humanity has struggled to progress and find ways for people to work together from the very beginning. Prehistoric humans were a largely egalitarian society with close relationships. There were no large, global empires but only small enough tribes who existed to ensure survival. However, all this changed with the neolithic revival. The first city, Catalhoyuk, was established around 6700-5700 CE. This allowed society to grow and ensure that daily survival was not an issue. These cities were built to house the wealthy, powerful, and strong, and they also served as a platform for the creation of a new upper class. The ruling class became generals, priests, and rulers in the early days. Each had extraordinary power, particularly religious leaders, who were believed to have the ability to communicate with the gods. Religion was meant to bring people together with divine forces. However, wealth does not necessarily mean that everyone can have all the privileges. History shows that wealth is a source of power, including the ability to name the Gods. Hamlet is a perfect example of this, as Ophelia’s suicide allegedly shows. Her family was preparing for her funeral when she became haunted by suicide allegations. Suicide is strictly prohibited by the church. But, as Other has shown, “Will ya’ the truth about ‘t?” “Shakespeare 241 states that this lady was not a gentleman and should have been buried to Christian burial.” Her family was able financially to bury Ophelia despite her disobedience to God thanks some backdoor deals. Inequality was a major cause of the demise of dynasties. It was also present in Hamlet and the prehistoric era. As society advanced, a new period was created and empires were built that would last for a lifetime. They have changed the way humanity works. The Egyptians were the greatest empire ever built. Their empire grew from 2660 BCE in size to 332 BCE in size (before Alexander the Great conquered the Egyptians), and they managed to create the longest-lasting empire on the planet. However, their incredible architecture and armies weren’t the only reasons they were able to make such great progress. It was also the persistence of rulers across the empire that was key. Empires have been plagued for centuries by the inability to peacefully pass power to new leaders. The egyptian Empire was able, for 2000 more years, to prosper. “The chronology of the Egyptian rulers from before Alexander the Great arrived in Egypt in 332 BCE has been divided into 31 distinct dynasties”(Visual History of the World). With the establishment of these dynasties, the great Egyptian Empire was expanded. While peaceful transitions are possible, they can be destroyed by insecure rulers. This is evident in Hamlet when King Claudius enters Denmark. King Claudius was taken control by the Danish nobility after King Hamlet’s mysterious death. However the uneasy transition was ignored as fear from the north faced Denmark, as Claudius said “To Norway, uncle of young Fortinbras,- Who, impotent and bed-rid, scarcely hears Of this his nephew’s purpose,-to suppress.”(Shakespeare 21-22) The Danes had overlooked their fears of Claudius to protect against the rising hostilities against the Norwegians. History has shown that rising enemies are not to be overlooked.

The Assyrians started attacking Egypt around 670 BCE. As they overthrew Nubian dynasty in Nubian, they appointed Psmatik (Libyan Prince), to lead Egypt. By 656 BC, he was able unify Egypt and establish the 26th monarchy. The Persians, however, were a new threat to Egypt’s security. They didn’t even consider the real threat, which was the rise of the ancient Greeks. The Egyptians were married to Greek women and had become a significant trading partner. All had failed to see the threat of Europe when King Cambyses, Persia’s conqueror of Egypt, did so. Alexander the Great, in a massive and quick invasion, conquered Persia and Egypt by 332 BC. Alexander the Great was able to transition easily from power due to the Greeks’ influence on Egypt. Similar to Hamlet the outside, but skilled force, had taken power in a foreign area due to incompetence from those in control. The Ancient World is home to new, powerful empires as the first empires fade away. These new empires can learn from the mistakes and successes of their predecessors to make sure they last. Romans are still a well-known name. The empire has miles of aqueducts that allow water to flow across vast areas. The mere creation of the mile and a well-organized road network allowed for the establishment of a network across the empire. The Senate, which gave the people the right to rule, had a superior military that brought political stability to the Mediterranean region. While the empire’s achievements are numerous, its failures were also impressive. It was eventually an empire under the first Emperor Augustus. With it came a new era of Rome. The empire was constantly in conflict with all sides, so it decided to separate into a dual-state. This split the Eastern and Western Roman Emperors. Emperor Diocletian, who was a centrally-governed Roman citizen, ordered the dissolution of the Rome that had been ruled by him and instituted the tetrarchy (rule over four) in 293CE. For 20 years, the Tetrarchy brought stability to the region and allowed the Roman Empire continued to control it. The Tetrarchy was in trouble by 305, however, because Maximian was not like Diocletian and was unwilling to relinquish power. Further, Maximian also had Constantius as his biological son. Maxentius was an ambitious man who wanted power. (Visual History of the World). Maxentius, the Western Roman Empire’s heir apparent, had ambitions incompatible with the Tetrarchy. He claimed that all of Rome was his. He used deceit to persuade the Praetorians that he had the right to claim the throne. However, those who stab others need to be careful of their backs.

Young Laertes was attracted to vengeance, one of the most corrupting vices. Hamlet was killed by his poisoned sword after he blamed his father and sister for their deaths. History proved that his vengeance was too much for him. His deceitful acts and vengeance towards his country were what led to his untimely death. Both Maxentius’ treacherous brother and their cause of death was instability within their own realm. Laertes death of Hamlet marked the beginning of a new period for the Kingdom. Rome managed to stabilize its region once more after Maxentius’s defeat at Milvian Bridge, 312 CE. Deceit is a constant threat to an empire’s stability, destruction, and deconstruction. Rome’s deceit, which is similar to Hamlet’s, demonstrates how mistrust can be used to destroy an empire.

Enter the Middle Ages as Europe falls to the power of the empires. While there were many ways foreign invaders could have entered Europe, those who came from east and south were the most dangerous. The south saw the Arabs. The Abbasids claimed Europe, while the Ayyubids grew Islam for many generations. The Mongols emerged from the east. They ruled over a vast empire that stretched from China to Europe. The Roman Empire’s stability had ceased to be a factor in Europe’s current state of turmoil. The unifying force, the Papacy, attempted to bring stability to the ravaged Medieval Europe. As the threat of the south increased, there was only one answer: Find a common enemy to unite Europe against him. Begin, the Crusades. The holy land was embraced by knights and princes from every corner of the nation. They met their enemy in Islam, which triggered a number of Crusades. However, the fourth crusade was a time of treachery and “revenge”. “The Fourth Crusade of Pope Innocent III, which was started in 1202, demonstrated the corruption of the Crusade Idea.” (Visual History of the World). Enrico Dandolo of Venice was deceived and the Crusaders took over Constantinople in a great deceit. Venice used power plays to destroy any rivals in the region and was able sack the city. It also installed a puppet government (the Latin Empire). This treachery was meant to be “revenge,” but it was really an instinctive play by the Doge. All who are involved in the act of treachery and deceit can expect death and destruction.

Hamlet has emphasized the concept of revenge throughout his play. Hamlet declared, “An earnest confession from the King,” England was his faithful tributary. Love between them should be like the palm might bloom. The peace should stiffen her wheaten band wear. A comma should be placed between their amities. Hamlet’s proud moment is nothing new in Shakespeare’s play. He is proud of the fact that he won his “revengeance” over his former friends Guildenstern, Rosencrantz. He has deceived his way into a position of power and destruction, but it is also a sign of selfishness, a similar act to that of the Doge. Hamlet is proudly displaying his murder of old friends as the rightful patriarch. Hamlet will see his time come, just like the Doge. Two treacherous men started the end of their lives by destabilizing a region.

Innovation is a force for progress. New ideas are a source of innovation and drive forward the modern era. New perspectives were brought to an ancient tradition. For generations, Europe had been influenced by the Power of the Papacy. Now there was a new conflict. The Papacy had risen to power beyond its jurisdiction and had shifted from faith and piety to power and wealth. The Reformation was required, and leaders such as Martin Luther, Johannes Calvin, became revolutionary Christians. Their efforts led to something that has reshaped the world up to today. The effects of the Reformation can be seen in Hamlet. The Queen tells Hamlet that she will not let her mother forget her prayers. I beg of thee, keep us company. Avoid Wittenberg.” (Shakespeare29) The reformation directly influenced Gertrude Uncertainty of Hamlet’s travels. “In Wittenberg, Martin Luther released his 95 Theses to Reform the Church in 1517” (Visual History of the World). The Queen was worried about the Son’s adventures abroad and was also confused by these events. English was in a precarious position due to the Reformation spreading but not winning over English hearts. Many monarchs, such as the Hamlets, refused to accept new ideas. As with many European monarchies, the early monarchies were reluctant and often unable to change. They did share many similarities in spirituality, however. The ghost said, “Revenge his foulest and most unnatural murder.” ( Shakespeare 57). Both the church and the church condemned murder as a serious sin. Through history, empires have refused to accept new ideas. This has been a problem for all of humanity from the Habsburgs to the Hamlets. Despite the proliferation of ideas around the globe, there was still no sense of belonging to the innovations that were made over the centuries. The only thing that had made progress seem more important than anything else was its ability to live up to its potential. The modern era’s birth was not enough. A revolution was required to make the world a Modern Era. Revolutionary ideas were spreading like wildfires in an open forest. New ideologies flourish on new open pastures as the monarchs from Europe leave. The ideals for progress transcended state conflicts and have become a larger part of society. After years of suffering, the peasantry has come together under one ideal. (” Liberte. Egalite. The French Revolution marked a major turning point in Europe’s social structure, which had been ailing it for centuries. “Under Louis XVI’s rule, France saw the absolutist monarchy’s grave flaws more prominent than its neighbors. Wars such the Seven-Year’s War and the American Colonies war, as well as the financing of the courts, had created an enormous state debt. Even the majority of the Aristocracy were unwilling to tolerate the excesses of the Court of Versailles.” (Visual History of the World). King Louis XVI summoned Estates General, which included clergy, aristocrats, and bourgeoisie, to help resolve this conflict. During negotiations, the King tried to dissolve the National Assembly to end opposition to it. Revolutionaries stormed Bastille, July 14, 1789 to protest the King’s attempt to dissolve the National Assembly. The Declaration of Man and Citizen was proclamated on August 8th 1789. “Men were born and are free to exercise their rights. “Social distinctions cannot be made based on community utility” (Visual History of the World). Shakespeare recognized equality as a concept that was already well-known.

Hamlet was used to help him make similar statements to the Declaration of Man, and the Declaration of the Citizen. Hamlet said, “That skull had tongue in it, could sing once.” The knave knocks it to the ground like Cain’s jawbone. That was the first murder! This might be the pate o’erreaches of a politician, one that would circumvent God. These ideals can lead to both the liberation or the demise of a monarch. Similar to France’s Revolution Hamlet realized that he had new morals, and was able destroy the corrupt dynasty. The play was also shown indefinitely. Like Hamlet, revolutions are bloody. To stabilize a region, it takes a foreign ruler. The tides were turning and years were being spent in neglect and corruption began to pay off. Hamlet was like history’s chronology, unfolding violently with a promise of a better future. It was the culmination of human progress that had reached the Globe. This brought with it uncertainty and new ideologies, each with their own set of consequences. What was about to occur would have a profound impact on the fabric and future of time. This would lead to an era that saw total war and affect all people, women, and children around the globe. However, it is an age that encourages determination, perseverance and will. This is the age that saw the end of all World Wars. As June 28, 1919 neared, the world watched. The Germans had surrendered and that brought about the end of all wars. The allies had defeated all odds to bring down the German shepherd. Germany was in ruins after the Kaiser fled. The German people had nothing left after the war. “Hyperinflation was a major problem for the republic in the early years. It also prevented it from stabilizing itself and achieving peace.” (Visual History to the World). Germany was made to do what was asked of her and she couldn’t recover from the fall. Ophelia is the best example of Germany’s feeling. Polonius says, “I would not, plainly, from the time forward Have you such slander any instant leisure As to speak words or discuss with the Lord Hamlet. You are responsible for your actions. Follow your path. Ophelia responded with “I will obey, my Lord.” (Shakespeare 140-141). Ophelia and the German Empire were both trapped. History has proven that even major mistakes can lead to death. Ophelia and Germany’s Empire both had to end in order to usher in a new age. They were like Ophelia after the German Republic took over the reigns. They were out of hope and, even though they tried to stabilize the situation, spiraled downwards. Shakespeare clearly is referring to the possibility of starting over. The history books have shown that those who haven’t rebuilt in human history have been reused.

History is not just a record of events, it’s a process. The very ideas and events that are being portrayed today were valid thousands to hundreds of years ago. Studying history does not require a high level of understanding or a deep appreciation of the basic human theories. It is the deep interest in others’ timelines, their triumphs and failures that can make the future of humanity better. Herodotus the father historian said “Circumstances are what rule men.” Humanity is founded on past events. Literature can be used to measure that basis and solve intellectual conundrums. Humanity has spent its entire existence searching for answers to the many mistakes that have been made. From the dawn of time, when hunters and gatherers were common, to the pyramid-building pharaohs. The end of Rome itself was witnessed by the fearful plebeians as they watched the invasion of great foreign powers and the sacking Constantinople. There, men were killed and women were raped. Humanity has always been innovative, starting with the Revolutionary France ideals and the Reformation ideals. The end of the Kaiser was finally here, and it is a sad day for the German people. History has been a constant source of change and factual existence for all. Hamlet tells such a story in a more effective way than through his eyes. This tragic tale, which has been relived for a lifetime, shows beautifully why the kings who once reigned have fallen. Hamlet is an example of the sufferings that man, god, and state can experience. History has always been able to see the same problems that Hamlet’s characters face. However, the results of similar actions to those taken in the previous examples were beneficial for all. The fact that Egypt was not conquered, Rome fell, or the death of the French Monarch would not have made humanity better. Not only has humanity never progressed, but it also hasn’t gotten to the place where it is today. Hamlet reveals that, despite the many difficulties faced by the characters, the state will be restored. Marcellus had stated that something was wrong with Denmark before these tragedies happened. However, after the deaths of several families, the rotten fruit has been removed from Denmark. The new era begins as King Fortinbras acclaims the Hamlet Dynasty crown. As an era ends, remember the achievements of the preceding rulers and the lessons learned. This will make Denmark stronger. Hamlet demonstrated that history can be a continuous cycle, which allows us to get to know ourselves better. Humanity can, however, learn from its past to make progress in the future.

Author

  • davidwong

    David Wong is a 29-year-old educator and blogger who focuses on helping students learn in creative and interesting ways. He has a background in teaching and has been blogging since 2006. David's work has been featured on a variety of websites, including Lifehack, Dumb Little Man, and The Huffington Post.