Cuevas 1 Carlos Cuevas Mrs.

Dickson ENG2D May 8, 2012 Hamlet Essay Shakespeare Hamlet it classified as one of his beat problem plays ever created. It shows the complications of love, death, and betrayal. It can be related to todays corruption in politics and modern society thus leading us to conflicts. Conflicts are not just physical because humans have conflicts everyday within themselves. The play demonstrates the thoughts of confusion, the temptation to kill, and trust issues between one another thus presenting both inward and outward conflicts. Firstly, Hamlet demonstrates his confusion when he talks to him self. He says, To be or not to be, that is the question, whether tis nobler in the mind to suffer or take arms against a sea of troubles (Hamlet III.i.56-59). He expresses his sadness and frustration with his life and lack of action. Hamlet also explains that the, army of such mass and charge, led by a delicate and tender pride Makes mouths at the invisible even exposing what is mortal and unsure (IV.iv.45-51). Hamlet admires the determination by the Norwegian army to get their goal completed. This also makes Hamlet think about his goal and that has every reason to risk his life but delays and fails to act. Hamlet resolves his issue and starts putting his thoughts into action. Secondly, the characters in the play are distrusting because most of them stretch the truth. This is true in Polonius case when he summons Reynaldo to spy on his son Laretes. Polonius thinks that his son is fooling around while he is in France. Polonius has a plan to

Cuevas 2 spy on Laretes with the help of Reynaldo. Polonius states, inquire me first what Danskers are in Paris, and how, and who, what means, and where they keep (II.i.78). This shows the distrust that Polonius has for his son and also wants his son not to make a fool out of the family name. Furthermore, Polonius also doesnt trust Hamlet with his daughter because he thinks that Hamlet has gone mad. Polonius thinks that Hamlet has gone mad because his love craziness for Ophelia just as he states, that hath made him mad. I am sorry that with better heed and judgment I had not quoted him. I feared he did but trifle and meant to wreck thee ( II.i. 111-114). Lastly, the temptation to kill can be seen in every part of the play. Whether it be when Claudius poisons the cup which Hamlet will from or when Claudius send Hamlet to England to get executed. King Claudius states that, [He] will work him to an exploit under the which [Hamlet] shall not choose but fall (IV.viii.63-65). King Claudius has been working on a plan that will surely make Hamlet die. Hamlet is also given the chance to kill the king when he is in the booth right beside the one King Claudius was in. Hamlet draws his sword and whispers, Now might I do it pat, now a is a-praying. And now Ill dot (III.iii.73-74). Hamlet does not follow with his deed because he is troubled with inner conflict and wishes to kill the king when he is full of sin. In conclusion, the play was a tragedy among with the rest of Shakespeares greatest plays. The play has had various scenes where it showed the characters had conflicts within themselves and also with others. They demonstrated confusion, the thought of killing another, and mostly the distrust among them all.