In William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, three primary themes are discussed.

These themes are the

Supernatural, revenge, and logical vs emotional thinking. In this thematic analysis essay, we are
going to take a closer look on those themes. Additionally, we are also going to look at the
interconnectedness of these themes, and how they can be used be implemented as policies the
higher echelons of the social hierarchy could possibly consider to have a more civil and mature
society, a society that contributes to the progression of society, and a society where people of
higher power don’t always use destructive force as a way of solving conflict.

In the beginning of the play, Prince Hamlet encounters the ghost for the very first time. Hamlet
notices that the ghost looks exactly like his late father King Hamlet. When the ghost commands
Prince Hamlet to “revenge his foul and most unnatural murder.” Hamlet believes that he must
now avenge his late father. Hamlet’s belief that the ghost is indeed his father is evident
throughout his loyalty and his attempt to follow the command of the ghost as much as possible.
Hamlet replies with “with wings as swift as meditation or the thoughts of love,” promising the
ghost that he will seek revenge faster than a person falls in love. Thus, the theme of supernatural
is heavily shown in the beginning of the play, which motivates Hamlet to try his absolute best to
fulfil his duty to the ghost.

In the rising action of the play, Shakespeare Uses a play within a play as a device to explore the
consequences of revenge. As a destructive force that can lead to chaos and tragedy. This is
evident in Act II scene 2 where Prince Hamlet stages a play in a play (Murder of Gonzago) to see
whether King Claudius is guilty of murdering Hamlet’s uncle through the observance of King
Claudius’s facial expressions whilst viewing the play. Prince Hamlet then ponders whether King
Claudius is indeed guilty or if he is deceiving Hamlet. Furthermore, King Claudius failed to
handle the sheer guilt of murder whilst watching the play, forcing him to exit. Thus,
through Shakespeare’s storytelling, we see the consequences of revenge and the dangerous spiral
it can lead to.

Furthermore, Hamlet is contemplating whether he should seek revenge against his uncle,
Claudius, for killing his father and marrying his mother. Hamlet says, “Does it not, think thee,
stand me now upon— He that hath killed my king and whored my mother.” Causing him to
contemplate whether he should seek revenge against his uncle, Claudius. for killing his father
and swiftly marrying his mother. The phrase "think thee" indicates that Hamlet is deep in
thought, considering his options, and decides that seeking revenge is necessary. Thus, the theme
of revenge is conveyed here as it shows how the desire for revenge can consume a person, to the
point where they feel it is their duty to act.

These three themes, the supernatural, revenge, the struggle between emotional and rational
thinking, are interconnected in the play. The play begins with a supernatural event in which King
Hamlet's ghost appears to Prince Hamlet and orders him to avenge his murder. This supernatural
event contributes to the motion of the play's revenge plot. Hamlet attempts to avenge his father's
murder. However, the distractions of his emotional thinking throughout the play makes Hamlet
turn from a civil prince into a prince that is pure evil due to the emotional thinking taking full
control over his brain. One must master how to balance emotional and rational thinking.
Hamlet has the perfect opportunity to slay Claudius when Claudius is praying in the chapel. This
is shown in Act III scene 3 when Hamlet says “Now might I do it pat, now he is praying, and
now I'll do 't. [He draws his sword]. However, Hamlet encounters a dilemma between rational
thinking and emotional thinking. Hamlet remains loyal to the orders of the ghost. But, when the
conflict is rising, Hamlet’s rational thinking makes him wait for the perfect opportunity to kill
King Claudius. Due to his rational thinking, his emotional thinking is flawed, resulting in the
procrastination of the murder of King Claudius. When Hamlet sees King Claudius repenting to
God, Hamlet’s impulse almost makes him slay King Claudius, but his rational thinking tells
Hamlet to wait for an opportunity when King Claudius is sinning, so that his soul is tortured
leading him to hell rather than cleansed leading him to heaven. Thus, Shakespeare’s portrayal of
Hamlet’s Impulse vs rational thinking, as well as his procrastination in murdering Claudius,
emphasizes the importance of thoughtful action and self-control.

The theme of revenge towards the tragic ending of the play discusses the chaotic cycle of
revenge and raises important questions about mortality and justice. This is evident in Act V
Scene 2 Line 323 when Hamlet tells Horatio “So shall you hear of carnal, bloody, and unnatural
acts.” Here, Shakespeare raises an important question to the audience, he suggests that the
pursuit of revenge may flaw a person’s rational thinking, causing him to react with evil impulse
(malevolence) instead of logical thinking (rationalizing). This is further supported as
Shakespeare mentions “bloody,” implying that the gruesome pursuit of revenge leads to more
harm and destruction and blinds a person’s logic in a tragic event where immediate action is
required.

Shakespeare’s portrayal of revenge throughout the play could be used as lessons society could
implement for a more civil and mature society. Many characters, including Hamlet, Laertes, and
Fortinbras, seek revenge for the wrongs they have suffered, leading to a cycle of violence. This is
evident in the tragic ending of the play. Shakespeare conveys that violence and destructive force,
especially by people in higher power, does not always resolve conflict. Not only does the pursuit
of violence cause the tragic downfall of people in the higher echelons of the social hierarchy, but
it also harms the contributing members of society by having to deal with chaotic actions being
taken by Kings and politicians.

Shakespeare's message regarding the morality of revenge and its relationship to justice is that
revenge may not always provide true justice. Instead, it can cause a cycle of violence and
tragedy. This is a message that is still relevant today, and it suggests that we need to think more
rationally instead of acting on impulse when faced with conflict. Shakespeare also raises
questions on when it is right or wrong for royals to use destructive force, as King Claudius
deceitfully uses destructive force to defend Denmark in the play. Lastly, Shakespeare raises
questions on destructive force as Hamlet’s desire for revenge against his uncle leads to tragic and
chaotic events taking place in the play.