An Analysis of Shakespeare’s Hamlet - the Theme of Revenge

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Hamlet is not the only character that is affected by revenge throughout the play. When Laertes finds out that Hamlet was responsible for his father's death, he decides to attempt to take Hamlets life and avenge the death of his father. “I dare damnation: to this point I stand, that both the worlds I give to negligence, let come what comes; only I’ll be revenged most thoroughly for my father.” (4.5.4-13) He and King Claudius create a plan to kill Hamlet by having him take part in a fencing duel with Hamlet and using a poisoned sword. However, they failed to over look their plan and not account for any faults or mistakes that could happen. What if Hamlet managed to get the sword away from Laertes? What if Hamlet was the better swordsman? Since Laertes believed that Hamlet murdered Polonius on purpose, he became so blinded by his rage that he would not listen to Hamlet's reasoning for his actions. He did not allow Hamlet to tell him that the murder of Polonius was an accident, as he though he was the King spying on him as he talking to his mother. The battle between Hamlet and Laertes begin, and Laertes wounds him with the poison ridden sword; but by chance, their swords get mixed up, and Hamlet manages to also wound Laertes with the poisoned sword. Since Laertes had his mind corrupted by rage due to the death of his father, his mind became impaired when constructing his plan with Claudius, which caused his tragic death.

Fortinbras was the only person to seek vengeance without using violence as his weapon. He manages to get back his fathers land because Claudius, Laertes and Hamlet all ended up killing each other. Essentially, Fortinbras’ patience saved his own life. Hamlet named him the King of Denmark before he died, thus completing his well thought out plan to avenge his father’s death. Revenge is a dangerous emotion, as it can easily consume you, but can also be used for great satisfaction.

All in all, due to the vengeance that Hamlet and Laertes both act on, revenge is a key theme in Hamlet. Revenge was the driving force behind both Laertes and Hamlet, but both of them also approached their downfall because of it. It seems ironic that the three characters who were involved with all of the revenge all died from the same weapon. Revenge is not to be take lightly, when acted on can defiantly come back to haunt you.