Self Interest in Hamlet by Shakespeare :: essays research papers

Hamlet is a play about inherent self-interests. Shakespeare composes the play with dominant ideals instilled within the reader, primarily those pertaining to revenge and tragedy, albeit those ideals are derived from each character's different self-interest, whether applied consciously or not. Shakespeare utilizes various soliloquies and certain dialogue throughout the play as a medium through which the reader comprehends a certain character's self-interest. Through these soliloquies and other dialogue, primarily those concerning Hamlet, Gertrude, and Claudius, the major themes of revenge and tragedy are derived from unconscious wants, thus making Hamlet a play about inherent self-interest. In murdering King Hamlet, Claudius achieves his goal to become King, and later seduces Hamlet's mother, Gertrude. King Claudius's intentions are revealed in Hamlet's designed play-within-a-play where "the King rises" and Claudius demands the show be halted with "Give me some light. Away!" (III.ii). His instantaneous flee proves his inherent wants when his inner thoughts of "dire property" are exposed (III.ii). Claudius realizes Hamlet has noticed his self-interest, thus planning his murderous scheme against Hamlet, which ultimately leads to the destruction of Hamlet's and Gertrude's once happy life. Gertrude's selfish behavior is indirectly selfish, in that Gertrude's priorities are derived from the men surrounding her, most dominantly, Claudius. Gertrude's allegiance through the play is constantly on the move: shifting constantly between Hamlet and Claudius, finally resorting to Claudius. Her selfishness is derived from Claudius in that she wants to protect what is hers through him. All that she owned became his as well when they married, therefore when the queen says "buy not by him" (IV.v) defending the king against Laertes's accusations, she is truly concerned about herself and the notion of her having to leave all she has if Laertes's accusation is seen as true. Hamlet's inherent self-interest is the underlying cause of the play. One of Hamlet's first soliloquies demonstrates Hamlet's passionate anger towards Gertrude due to her marrying Claudius. His anger shows clear as he insults all women in "Frailty, thy name is woman!" (I.ii), as well as "like Niobe, all tears" (I.ii). Hamlet's anger and frustration were always a part of his emotional status, allowing him to already have adverse feelings for Claudius, however, it was the ghost's commands that allowed Hamlet to propel these interests into the action he is to commit. Hamlet's previously felt emotion is the tinder the ghost uses in order to make Hamlet take action against the situation neither of them are willing to take action against.