To be a man of thought or a man of action, is better depending on the situation, consequences, and surrounding. Sometimes it is very good to take action, but then again you should think about everything you do before you do take the next step. For Hamlet I understand how mad he was, and his plan to kill Claudius but it was not the right time. Hamlet wanted to send his soul directly to the devil, and being that Claudius was praying that would of happened. If you are praying spreading the religious faith it is said that your soul will go straight to heaven. As mad as Hamlet is, waiting is the right choice, he also gets to hear Claudius's true intentions, which are clearly wrong. Hearing the things Claudius confessed to and hearing everything he wanted, is clearly an advantage to Hamlet, he is able to use everything Claudius is saying against him.
Yes, Hamlet is right for hesitating to kill Claudius, I feel like once he really thought about it, there is no feeling guilt or regret. Even though Claudius committed a very bad sin, his death should still be thought out. Then again what would it be like if Hamlet never heard a confession or anything, consequences would be horrible? Jumping right into things and killing Claudius wouldn't be the right decision, Hamlet killing Polonius is the perfect example. The consequences are different because Hamlet assumed it was Claudius trying to listen, not Polonius. Whatever the situation everyone should think about what they are about to do. There isn't anything wrong with hesitation or being hesitant in this situation.
Not killing Claudius shows a lot about Hamlet because he waited. I feel like if it was any other character they would have killed Claudius thee first chance they had. Waiting at least shows some kind of mercy. To me that reveals, Hamlet has at least some kind of heart. Even after he yelled at Ophelia and how cold he acted towards her, he still had mercy by not killing Claudius at that moment. To be a man of thought is the best because you seem way more responsible and able to react to situations differently, maybe more maturely as well.
Good perception on this scene. I agree with you that Hamlet went with the right decision to wait to kill Claudius. Yet, I feel you sort of repeated the thesis instead of going into more depth. It is understood that Hamlet shouldn't kill Claudius at that moment, but I don't think it was because he wanted to show mercy. It was more that Hamlet respected the fact that Claudius was praying to the Man upstairs and knew that if he killed Claudius while he was praying, he would be sent to the pits of hell. However, overall, I agreed with your thesis and your advice good be used for people today.
ReplyDeleteGood perception on this scene. I agree with you that Hamlet went with the right decision to wait to kill Claudius. Yet, I feel you sort of repeated the thesis instead of going into more depth. It is understood that Hamlet shouldn't kill Claudius at that moment, but I don't think it was because he wanted to show mercy. It was more that Hamlet respected the fact that Claudius was praying to the Man upstairs and knew that if he killed Claudius while he was praying, he would be sent to the pits of hell. However, overall, I agreed with your thesis and your advice good be used for people today.
ReplyDeleteI feel you. I agree that hamlet did the right thing and waited. but I feel like if he waits too long he is not going to be able to go through with his plan. This scene does show that Hamlet is smart and that he thinks things all the way through. I feel like this scene though in contrast to the scene where hamlet kills polonius kind of contradicts his motives because like you said he was jumping to conclusions. In a way I think this scene shows hamlet's growth but his growth is then stunted by him killing polonius.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your take on the Dilemma. Hamlet made the right decision on waiting and planning on the 'right ' moment so there would be a chance of him going to hell. I also agree with you that its best to be a man of thought than action in order to respond to situations more maturely. This scene shows how mature Hamlet was despite the fact that he didn't kill Claudius but an innocent man ; Polonius. in the future.
ReplyDeleteI think that Hamlet's decision to wait was the right choice as well and there is nothing wrong with hesitation, especially in this situation. However, I don't know if Hamlet's hesitation stemmed from feeling merciless over Claudius' life. Hamlet decided to wait to murder him make sure he ended up in hell, so Claudius could have the worst fate imaginable. If anything, I think it shows how sinister and sick-minded Hamlet has gotten since the death and betrayal of his father.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Emily. I think this hesitation is a turning point for Hamlet, which is perhaps why things fall apart after this scene.
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