Blog 6:Hamlet Acts 3,4,& 5

Much death ensues at the end of Hamlet. Given all that the reader knows by now, King Claudius could easily be blamed for all that occurs.

While I do not think Claudius is purely evil, he is not merely a flawed human being either. Throughout the play, Hamlet paints Claudius as the villain, however there is one scene where the reader is given a rare insight into the thoughts and reflections of Claudius. On page 1411, there is a monologue from Claudius in-which he reminisces on the death of his brother. He states that he indeed did murder Hamlet Sr. but also makes it clear that he seeks forgiveness and repentance for what he has done. At this point, some remorse is spared toward Claudius as this page shows that he could just be a flawed human who serves his own ambition and vice.

There is another scene that contradicts the notion about Claudius' virtue. Pages 1431-1434 contain a dialogue between Claudius and Laertes. Laertes by this point, thinks only of revenge for the death of Polonius. Claudius modestly discusses of a plan to set up both Laertes and Hamlet to battle each other so that Laertes may defeat Hamlet. They both agree on a plan but Laertes' rage is fueled once again by the message that his sister has drowned. Claudius tells Gertrude, "How much I had to do to calm his rage" (1434). Claudius not only devises a plan to eliminate Hamlet, but also lies to Gertrude about the encounter with Laertes so that no suspicion casts upon him. This scene shows the cunning and deceitful nature that Claudius holds and counteracts the idea that he is merely a flawed person.

In fact, all of the murders portrayed in this story can be linked directly toward Claudius. Claudius himself killed the king. He told Polonius to hide in Gertrude's room, placing him in a precarious situation that ends in his death. This death then leads to Ophelia's suicide. He then aids in Laertes' plan to murder Hamlet, which leads to Gertrude's, Laertes', Hamlet's, and his own death.

Truly, Claudius' faults and willful acts play toward not only the deaths of his family and friends, but also the degradation of the Danish Kingdom. The story ends with some confused English Ambassadors and Polish forces within the castle walls, with no immediate heir to the thrown. With no leadership, it is likely that given this situation, Poland and England would take as much spoils as they possibly can.

Claudius is a tragic character, but i do not think this play could be titled The Tragedy of King Claudius. Hamlet is a much more fitting central character due to his roundness. He goes through multiple changes throughout the story. From woeful youth, to vengeful agent, to rude lunatic, the stories focus on Hamlet leaves a graver impression on the reader and the audience.