Essay

Hamlet seems obsessed with moral justice in Act 1 and Act II. He was so concerned that moral justice be served that he refused to murder Claudius in prayer, afraid that Claudius’ soul would go to heaven. In Acts I and II, Hamlet acts with the apparent understanding that revenge would condemn his own soul. As a result, he tries to ascertain Claudius’ guilt in order to justify killing him.

However, when Hamlet finally decides to murder Claudius in Act III, he does so impulsively, actually killing Polonius instead. It can be argued that the death of Polonius leads to Ophelia’s madness and death, which turns Laertes against Hamlet, setting up the final duel. This final paper asks you to analyze the question of whether moral justice is finally rendered at the close of the play.

The conclusion of Hamlet sees both Hamlet and Laertes seeking to right wrongs committed against them or their families. It is significant that, with Polonius’ death, both figures have lost their fathers. However, Laertes seems unconcerned with moral justice, stating plainly his desire for revenge: “I am satisfied in nature,/ Whose motive in this case should stir me most/ To my revenge” (Act V, scene ii, 3882-3885). Discerning Hamlet’s motives is more difficult.

In examining the question of whether justice is served at the end of the play, you might want to consider why Hamlet decides to fight Laertes. It could be helpful to look at the following speeches, although you certainly should not restrict yourselves to them:

1. Hamlet tells Horatio of King Claudius’ plot to have him killed overseas. Hamlet switches the letters, causing Guildenstern and Rosencrantz to be executed instead. In response, Horatio states: “Why, what a king is this!” (Act V, scene ii, 3716). Hamlet condemns King Claudius (Act V, scene ii, 3716-37).

2. Hamlet regrets his fight with Laertes at Ophelia’s grave and equates their causes: (Act V, scene ii, 3727-3735).

3. Horatio asks Hamlet not to fight Laertes, emphasizing that Hamlet cannot win: “You will loose this wager my lord” (Act V, scene ii, 3845-3847).
You final paper should be between 500-700 words or 2-3 pages on whether or not moral justice is served in the play. 

Also:

250 words, analyze Gertrude’s role in the play more carefully through a close analysis of Shakespeare. Based on the first initial of your last name, you have been assigned to analyze one of Gertrude’s speeches.

In your analysis, you might want to examine where Gertrude’s loyalties lie: to her son, husband, former husband, or herself? Your discussion forum entry should cite at least once from your assigned group of lines.

Group A – Last Names Beginning with A through F
Begin with Queen’s “I will not speak with her.” (4.5.1)
End with Queen’s “Let her come in.” (4.5.21)

Group B – Last Names Beginning with G through L
Begin with Queen’s “To my sick soul (as sin’s true nature is),” (4.5.22)
End with Queen’s “Alas, look here, my lord.” (4.5.42)

Group C – Last Names Beginning with M through P
Begin with Queen’s “Alack, what noise is this?” (4.5.104)
End with Queen’s “O,this is counter, you false Danish dogs!” (4.5.120)

Group D – Last Names Beginning with Q through Z
Begin with King’s “The doors are broke.” (4.5.121)
End with Queen’s “But not by him.” (4.5.146)