Purpose of Horatio

Hamlet is a play about the tragedy of a young man, who is put in the dilemma of having to avenge the death of his father by killing his own uncle. The tragedy of Hamlet is the consequences of achieving the goal of avenging the death of King Hamlet. In the process of killing Claudius, his uncle, most of the people that played a major role in Hamlet’s life end up dying, even himself. Through this entire aspiration of killing Claudius and avenging the death of his father, Gertrude, Ophelia, Polonius, and Laertes all end up dead even before Claudius is finally killed and the goal has been accomplished. The tragedy of Hamlet is all the blood that must be shed (even his own) in order to accomplish his goal of avenging his father’s death.

Horatio is Hamlet’s closest friend who is always looking out for Hamlet, and is pretty much his right-hand man. Horatio is very precautious about all the actions and decisions he makes, and when he sees the ghost of Hamlet’s father, he asks approval of the sentinels who are outside on duty, on whether or not he should tell Hamlet about the recent apparition: “Do you consent we shall acquaint him with it, // As needful in our loves, fitting our duty” (Act 1.1, 172-173). He does not act on impulses, and instead makes sure everything he is doing is right and careful about everything. Horatio worries a lot about Hamlet and is even scared of Hamlet going forth chasing after the ghost, for he tells him “Be rul’d, you shall not go” (Act 1.4, 81). He is always there for Hamlet at his side to help him in anything he needs, to give him advice, or do something for him: “Here, sweet lord, at you service” (Act 3.2, 48). Throughout the play

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Horatio always supports Hamlet, but makes him analyze the situations and think of whether his actions are the best fit. He has all the qualities of a true and loyal friend for he will always have Hamlet’s back no matter what: “If your mind dislike anything, obey it. I will forestall // their repair hither, and say you are not fit” (Act 5.2, 200-201). He remains faithful and true till the very end, for instead of committing suicide “more [like] an antique Roman than a Dane,” he promises Hamlet to stay alive and to tell his story to all (Act 5.2,