Indecision, Hesitation and Delay in Shakespeares Hamlet - Hamlets Delay In Killing Claudius :: Shakespeare Hamlet Essays

clubtlement  Theories Of critical points Delay In Killing Claudius There be several theories about why hamlet, the master(prenominal) character of Shakespearesmasterpiece, critical point, delays in scratch offing his Uncle, King Claudius.  As the news ofa murdered noble, Hamlet is obligated to avenge the death of his father.However, the act is neer performed until the end of the play... quite some timeafter Hamlet observe Claudius was his fathers killer.  Some historians andliterary experts would say Hamlets strong religious bonds prevented him fromperforming the sinful deed.  Others would have it that Hamlet was a melancholicand therefore was too apt to kill his uncle.  Infamous psychologist,Sigmund Freud, felt Hamlet suffered from an Oedipal complex and could non killClaudius because he himself wished to be in Claudius place. Hamlet delays in killing Claudius not only because hes suffering from anOedipal complex but also because he is utt ermost too sane or practical to commit anact of murder.  In other words, basic sanity keeps him from killing Claudius.In society we are taught that those who commit murder are sick or insane.However, Hamlets society believes the son of a murdered noble is responsiblefor avenging his father. When the ghost of King Hamlet appears and tells his son Claudius killed him bypouring poison in his ear, Hamlet does not act upon the word of the specter.  Hetakes time to think about what the vestige t quondam(a) him.  He contemplates whetherit is a good ghost or a blighted ghost.  He plans things out  analyses situations.When the actors came to town, Hamlet implores one of them, Dost thou hear meold friend?  Can you play The Murder of Gonzago? (88)  The player agrees thathe chamberpot indeed perform the play.  Well hat tomorrow night.  You could for aneed study a speech of some dozen or sixteen lines which I could set down andinsert int, could you not.   (88) Here Hamlet has devised a scheme to seize whether his Uncle truly murderedhis father.  The play which Hamlet wishes to be performed is one involving amurder similar to that which the ghost described.  The plays the thing whereinIll catch the conscience of the King.  (90)  Hamlet s famous quote means hewill study Claudius sequence the play is being performed.  Should the Kings manorchange in accordance with the play, Hamlet will know the ghosts story is truethrough his well perspective out scheme. Another example of Hamlets cleverness is displayed when he switches the notesunbeknownst to Guildenstern and Rosencrantz.  Claudius, realizing Hamlet is