Question

Write two to three sentences summarizing how the play develops a theme related to the topic of revenge. Be sure to use objective language and include at least one example from the text.

Answer 1

The play Hamlet by William Shakespeare revolves around the theme of revenge even at the beginning. This can be seen particularly in Act 1, scene 5 where the ghost of Hamlet’s father told him about the intention of his appearance:  “GHOST: Pity me not, but lend thy serious hearing/ To what I shall unfold. HAMLET: Speak. I am bound to hear. GHOST: So art thou to revenge when thou shalt hear.” It is very clear that the ghost was not asking for pity. He wanted his son to “revenge when thou shalt hear” for what Claudius had done to him. As a ghost, he could not retaliate; thus, he told his son about the act of murder and asked him to avenge his death.

Answer 2

Hamlet explores the theme "The desire for revenge is destructive and ultimately pointless." Even though Laertes is ultimately able to forgive Hamlet, Laertes dies in his quest for revenge. This shows both the destructiveness and the futility of trying to get revenge.