Indecision, Hesitation and Delay in Shakespeares Hamlet - Hamlets Delay In Killing Claudius :: Shakespeare Hamlet Essays

Hamlet  Theories Of Hamlets Delay In Killing Claudius There are several theories virtually why Hamlet, the main char biter of Shakespearesmasterpiece, Hamlet, delays in killing his Uncle, King Claudius.  As the son ofa slayed noble, Hamlet is obligated to avenge the death of his father.However, the act is never performed until the end of the play... quite some timeafter Hamlet discovered Claudius was his fathers killer.  Some historians andliterary experts would say Hamlets strong religious bonds prevented him fromperforming the prankish deed.  Others would have it that Hamlet was a melancholicand therefore was too intellectual to kill his uncle.  Infamous psychologist,Sigmund Freud, felt Hamlet suffered from an Oedipal complex and could not killClaudius because he himself wished to be in Claudius place. Hamlet delays in killing Claudius not only because hes suffering from anOedipal complex but also because he is far too reasonable or practical to com mit anact of murder.  In other words, basic sanity keeps him from killing Claudius.In society we are taught that those who commit murder are sick or insane.However, Hamlets society believes the son of a murdered noble is responsiblefor avenging his father. When the ghost of King Hamlet appears and tells his son Claudius killed him bypouring envenom in his ear, Hamlet does not act upon the word of the specter.  Hetakes time to think about what the apparition told him.  He contemplates whetherit is a good ghost or a bad ghost.  He plans things out  analyses situations.When the actors came to town, Hamlet implores one of them, Dost thou hear meold friend?  Can you play The Murder of Gonzago? (88)  The player agrees thathe can indeed perform the play.  Well hat tomorrow night.  You could for aneed study a speech of some dozen or sixteen lines which I could stupefy down andinsert int, could you not.  (88) Here Hamlet has devised a scheme to discover whether his Uncle truly murderedhis father.  The play which Hamlet wishes to be performed is one involving amurder similar to that which the ghost described.  The plays the thing whereinIll catch the conscience of the King.  (90)  Hamlet s famous quote means hewill study Claudius while the play is organism performed.  Should the Kings manorchange in accordance with the play, Hamlet will know the ghosts story is truethrough his well thought out scheme. Another poser of Hamlets cleverness is displayed when he switches the notesunbeknownst to Guildenstern and Rosencrantz.  Claudius, realizing Hamlet is