Explain in Detail How Shakespeare Constructs the Theme and Cycle of Revenge in Hamlet

Prompt #7: Explain in detail how Shakespeare constructs the theme and cycle of revenge in Hamlet.

Revenge: a perfect punishment, a loyal act

Hamlet is a brilliantly written Shakespearean play, instilling all of the ideas of a tragic and catastrophic story. It contains a daunting murder, a bitter protagonist, a complex mystery and even incestuous desire. But while comparing Hamlet to other Shakespearean plays, there is a definite peculiarity that sets it aside from all other stories. It is Prince Hamlet's constant postponement of revenge that characterizes him as an anti-Shakespearean hero, becoming trivial in his own world. The entire play revolves around the theme of revenge, yet vengeance is achieved only with Hamlet's very last effort. It is Hamlet's reflective and contemplative personality that postpones the vengeance his father so rightly deserves.

The first delay of revenge occurs when Hamlet wishes to make certain that Claudius is guilty. He refuses to take action before he finds out the truth; not wanting to murder the innocent, nor wanting to let the guilty go free. He has actors perform a play about a story similar to the claim of the ghost – a murder and a stolen widow. Hamlet anticipates the play by recounting it to Claudius as "a knavish piece of work; but what o' that? Your majesty, and we that have free souls, it touches us not. Let the galled jade winch; our withers are unwrung" (III.ii.230). Hamlet, very cunningly, is telling Claudius that viewers of the play who are innocent will not be affected by the play's story-line; while the guilty viewer's conscious's will cause them to feel shame and remorse. It is when Claudius storms out in the middle of the play that Hamlet is positive of his uncle's guilt. It was essential for Hamlet to show this performance and verify Claudius' guiltiness, both for the sake of his own sanity and for the sake of precise revenge. It was Hamlet's attention to detail that led him to make such a well thought-out decision, and it brought him one step closer to reaching revenge.

Later on in the play, Hamlet becomes extremely close to achieving revenge but is overpowered by his own insightfulness. Hamlet finds Claudius praying to god for his forgiveness, stating that "A brother's murder! Pray can I not, though inclination be as sharp as will; my stronger guilt defeats my strong intent, and, like a man to double business bound, I stand in pause where I shall first begin, and both neglect" (III.iii.40). Hamlet hears these words of remorse pouring out of Claudius' guilty mouth, admitting that his "guilt defeated his strong intent". Hamlet's anger is more intense than ever as he stands behind the uncle that unfairly murdered his father. But, of course, it is Hamlet's