Most of the deaths in William Shakespeare's “The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark” are caused by Claudius, the new King of Denmark. Although Hamlet kills a couple of people, it is only by mistake. Claudius, with the assistance of others, tore apart the entire empire. Claudius is a very greedy man who only cares about possessing power. He kills every one who is a threat to take the throne away from him. He continues to kill until, eventually he is the cause of his own death.
Hamlet kills Polonius, thinking that it was the King, Claudius. Later on, Hamlet is face to face with Laertes and tells him it was an accident. Hamlet says, “Give me your pardon sir, I have done you wrong” (5.2.209). Hamlet is asking for forgiveness for killing his father. Hamlet is also the reason that Guildenstern and Rosencrantz die. However, Hamlet does not kill them himself. Hamlet also states, “they did make love to this employment” (5.2.57). He is saying that these two men brought it upon themselves. It is not Hamlet’s intent to kill anyone.
Unlike Claudius, he intends to kill anyone in his way. Of course it all starts when Claudius kills his brother, the former King of Denmark. The next person that Claudius means to kill is Hamlet. Claudius goes as far as to create a plan on how to kill him. In (4.7.152) Claudius says, “Should have a back or second that might hold.” Meaning, he creates a back-up plan to be certain that Hamlet will die. However, many others die along the way.
Laertes dies because the Claudius uses him to kill Hamlet. Claudius tells Laertes that Hamlet killed his father on purpose. Therefore, getting Laertes to concede to his plan. Even when Laertes forgives Hamlet and starts to go easy on him, Claudius is still persistent. Claudius says, “since he is bettered, we have therefore odds” (5.2.246). He pressures Laertes into continuing the fight with Hamlet. Resulting in the death of both of them.
The most shocking death is the death of Gertrude, the Queen. “The queen carouses to thy fortune” (5.2.273). She accidentally drinks the poison from Hamlet’s cup. The most upsetting part about this is that when it happens Claudius doesn’t try to help her at all. He actually tells everyone, “She sounds to see them bleed” (5.2.292). He is trying to convince everyone that she fainted at the sight of blood. Shows how much he really cares about his wife.
Lastly, Claudius is the fault of his own death. Hamlets says to Claudius, “Drink off this potion: is thy union here? Follow my mother” (5.2.309). Hamlet is so upset that he forces Claudius to drink the poison to die the way his mother does. Since Claudius poures the poison into his own throat, he is the one that kills himself. Even while Laertes is dyeing he says, “the king, the king’s to blame” (5.2.303). At this point everyone is aware of Claudius’ true character and knows all of the sorrows that he causes in Denmark.
Lastly, Claudius is the fault of his own death. Hamlets says to Claudius, “Drink off this potion: is thy union here? Follow my mother” (5.2.309). Hamlet is so upset that he forces Claudius to drink the poison to die the way his mother does. Since Claudius poures the poison into his own throat, he is the one that kills himself. Even while Laertes is dyeing he says, “the king, the king’s to blame” (5.2.303). At this point everyone is aware of Claudius’ true character and knows all of the sorrows that he causes in Denmark.
Good post! I totally agree that Claudius is the cause of everything. The only reason Hamlet accidentally kill anyone was because Claudius killed his father and sent him into the downward spiral of revenge. Although i somewhat disagree that Hamlet did not want to kill anyone. I think he wanted to get rid of everyone involved in his fathers murder or covering up what Claudius did. I completely agree that he should no love or care towards Gertrude when she was die because all he ever wanted was his greedy and lustful desires.
ReplyDeleteHey Steph, I enjoyed your post. You made great points about Claudius' relationship to those who die around him. One thing that I am confused about is how Guildenstern and Rosencrantz die. I thought that Hamlet had them killed by the English Monarchy. Regardless, the king did sent them himself knowing how wild and vicious Hamlet has been lately. That kind of decision making shows a man not fit for the crown. Another thing I'd like to point out is Claudius' selfishness. You mentioned how when Gertrude drank the poison, Claudius exclaims that the cup was poisoned but then knowing that she had died, tried to brush it off as her fainting. He tried to lie his way out of a bad situation. A real human being would have immediately ran and snatched the cup from her hand to save her, even if it meant getting caught. Instead, Claudius the king of denmark and husband to Gertrude, tries to lie to preserve his own integrity.
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