Hamlet's Reign Ruined by Coruption
Hamlet's Reign Ruined by Coruption
One of William Shakespeare's most profound works is the tragic play Hamlet; this tragedy involves many themes and subplots of which includes corruption. The chief corruption is of Claudius, the new king of Denmark; his corruption begins, but not ends with, the murder of the late King Hamlet for the throne. Claudius is conniving, manipulative, and spurious, doing everything for his own benefit. He causes those who believe his caring and understanding facade to become entangled in the web of deception and corruption that he has created because of his own faltered characteristics. Claudius' unscrupulous behavior in efforts to pursue the throne make him the antagonist of the play as shown through his thoughts and actions; it is his demeanor of manipulation and depravity that lead to the demise of Gertrude, Ophelia, and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern and also yields his own death.
The second scene of Act I introduces the new king of Denmark, Claudius, in a formal appearance at court. He makes a speech and sincerely expresses his regret and sorrow for his deceased brother.
Through yet of Hamlet our dear brothers death
The memory be green, and that of us befitted
To bear our hearts in grief, and our whole kingdom
To be contracted in one brow of woe,
Yet so far hath discretion fought with nature
That we with wisest sorrow think on him
Together with remembrance of ourselves. (1.2.1-7)
Claudius here in this statement, shows himself to be caring and sincere of his mourning for his brothers death. However, when he is alone with Gertrude and Hamlet in the chambers, he shows a different side of himself. He tells Hamlet to accept his father’s death and move on. “[.....] But to persever/ In obstinate condolement is a course/ Of impious stubbornness. ‘Tis unmanly grief” (1.2.98-100). Claudius is quick to act differently to fit his purpose to bare himself to be true of his feelings. First he tells his supporters that they will be “together with remembrance of ourselves” (1.2.7), then tells Hamlet to move on from mourning on his father’s death.
Claudius uses people to get the effect that he desires, which is to not be found out about his murder of King Hamlet. Gertrude is a victim of Claudius’ foul ambition and improbity and is manipulated to think unsettling thoughts of her own son. When Polonius confronts the king of what he believes to be the cause...