Monday, March 2, 2009
betrayal
Betrayal seems a common theme through out the play Hamlet. Hamlet, betrayed by his father (sort of, not intentionally) is left to deal with the betrayal of his mother and his uncle. Their incestuous relationship sickens the prince and his grief for his father's death only grows. Although, Hamlet is not the only one betrayed. His uncle in ways is betrayed by him. At first, true he might be plotting against his nephew but there is also a hint of acceptance that this man who is younger than him will one day be the king of denmark. Claudius was alsto betrayed by Rozancrantz and Guldenstern, but in turn so was Hamlet. The pair made out fine until, they themselves were returned with betrayal from Hamlet in letter to England. Laertes suffers the most, maybe not of betrayal but of misfortune because of betrayal. The death of his father directly has a part in Claudius' betrayal of Hamlet and the death of his sister also has a part in Hamlet's own betrayal of Ohpelia (and Polonius' betrayal of his own daughter in not letting her love who she pleased.) Being a tragedy, all betrayal comes to an end when the characters are found dying off quickly and by the means of poison and trickery-turned-bad. The only person not to die, ironically is Horatio, the only character who has lived sincerely, without betrayal through out the entire play. He has stuck to Hamlet's side and knows everything, the only one who knows the truth. So maybe this scews the idea of tragedy?
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3 comments:
Kenya,
Although I agree with you that betrayal does play a major role in this play, I don't understand your reasoning in saying that the character of Horatio screws up the whole idea of the play. Rather, I think it enforces the idea. He is the only honest one who sticks true to what he believes and therefore he lives. All those who particpated in betrayal are killed, reinforcing the idea that honest is key in a successful life.
I have to agree with walker on this one Kenya Strong Johnson. Betrayal is a strong factor of this story but I really think Shakespeare let Horatio live to strenghten the ending.
Kenya,
How is Hamlet betrayed by his father? This is a very bold statement to make, considering Hamlet Sr. was murdered, and had no way in betraying Hamlet. If anything, he betrayed his murderous, incestuous brother, and wife by telling Hamlet that Claudius killed him.
How was Claudius betrayed by Rozencrantz and Guildenstern? They both followed his orders faithfully, even taking their friend to his death in England, willingly. Those two betrayed Hamlet, who in turn betrayed them by having them killed.
Neither Hamlet nor Polonius betrayed Ophelia, as Hamlet really did love her, but her father was just looking out for her, and trying to protect, what he saw, as her best interests. Claudius seems to be betraying her the most by sending Hamlet to England, even though he really does love her.
I agree with Walker that Horatio does not screw up the whole idea of the play. Shakespeare seems to be saying that if you remain faithful, and honest, no major harm will befall you, even as it cripples those around you.
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