The Theme of Betrayal in "Hamlet"

Paper Summary:

Various incidents of betrayal plague Shakespeare's entire work of "Hamlet", and these acts of betrayal are the major cause of the character, Hamlet's, decline. The paper shows how betrayal comes to Hamlet in different forms and, while in some cases it is open and obvious, in other occasions it is quite subtle in nature. The paper covers these instances separately to show how damaging they were to Hamlet?s psychological and emotional health.

From the Paper:

"Some critics argue that Hamlet's friends were simply following orders and therefore should not be accused of betraying Hamlet. But if we carefully study the consequences of their actions, we will be able to see how their obedience and loyalty to the king constituted open betrayal of their friend's trust. Being childhood friends, they were supposed to help Hamlet in his times of pain and distress. Instead of declaring him mad, they should have listened to his problems, which they never did. They came back with the news of his lunacy and further assisted Claudius with his plans."

More papers on The Theme of Betrayal in "Hamlet":

• Book Review # 117654 : "The Themes of Shakespeare's "Hamlet"
• Analytical Essay # 130724 : "Revenge and Betrayal in Hamlet"
• Analytical Essay # 64539 : "Betrayal in "Hamlet"

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