Loyalty and Betrayal in Hamlet - 1157 Words

Loyalty and betrayal in Hamlet Loyalty is a significant theme in ‘Hamlet’ because Hamlet himself judges people by their loyalty or disloyalty-his mother, Ophelia, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, Horatio and he acts accordingly. The significance of the betrayal theme is that many of the major events in the play result from the betrayal of one character by another. The most significant act of betrayal is that of Gertrude-whose marriage to Claudius after two months of widow-hood has such a traumatic effect on Hamlet. He complains that a beast ‘would have mourned longer’. Right from the beginning, even before the ghost appears, Hamlet’s attitude to women in general is coloured by his mother’s disloyalty and betrayal-‘Frailty, thy name is†¦show more content†¦Perhaps his most crudest and most aggressive comment comes when he hints that to take the edge off his desire he’d have to leave her ‘groaning’ in pregnancy and childbirth. Polonius seemly hear all these vulgar and misogynistic rants and becomes ever more convinced that Hamlet is mad. He never rests easily until he ends up behind yet another arras, scheming, yet this time in Gertrude’s room and gets himself killed. The act of betrayal, by both Polonius and Gertrude has far-reaching consequences; Polonius is killed by Hamlet, Ophelia becomes mad and Laertes demands vengeance. Polonius’s betrayal disgusts Hamlet and he can only but refer to him as ‘a foolish prating knave’ and his mistreatment of his body when he says he will ‘lug his guts in the neighbour room’ can equally be taken as his disgust towards him. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern also sow the seeds of their own destruction by betraying their lifelong friend. From their point of view of course, they are being loyal to the king. They are faithful, obedient subjects, merely doing services to their king, trying to find out the reason for Hamlet’s madness. To Hamlet however, their willingness to do the King’s bidding is just more evidence of the corruption of the court. He urges them to treat him as a friend, to be loyal to him, to tell him the truth-;’were you not sent for?’ They eventually and reluctantly agree that they were sent for. But this is not the last of it. They continue to do the King’s bidding,Show MoreRelatedEssay On Self Motivation In Hamlet1100 Words   |  5 Pages Within everyones lives, self-motivation affects the relationships that one has with others. In William Shakespeare’s play â€Å"Hamlet, Prince of Denmark,† characters struggle with adherence as they conti nually attempt to benefit themselves. Throughout the play, very few genuine friendships with loyalty were recognizable as the characters seek revenge to deceive Hamlet in the time of King Hamlets murder. When the benevolence and sincerity were true as Horatio had shown, personal gain did not interfereRead MoreHamlet Heaven Or Hell Quotes764 Words   |  4 Pagesthink if they go to heaven or hell. In Hamlet, many of the characters face the question if they go to heaven or hell. One of the side characters, Queen Gertrude, has been looked down by Hamlet who is debating her loyalty. She even questions herself in loyalty and if that decides if she goes to heaven or hell. In the tragedy Hamlet, Shakespeare uses Gertrude’s wavering loyalty to suggest if Gertrude goes to heaven or hell. It is described that King Hamlet is signifying heaven in Gertrudes worldRead MoreBetrayal and Loyalty in Shakespeares plays3231 Words   |  13 PagesAP English Literature Composition March 14, 2012 Betrayal and Loyalty in William Shakespeares Plays William Shakespeare is one of the most recognized playwrights in the history of man. People have analyzed every sentence of his works and have taken note of the various styles used in his writing. Ironically enough, little is known about Shakespeares personal life. It is assumed, however, that like other literary writers, Shakespeare relates occurrences in his life into his writing. The averageRead MoreBetrayal In Shakespeares Hamlet1395 Words   |  6 Pages â€Å"The saddest thing about betrayal is that it never comes from your enemies.† Presumably, family and friends should be people whom you can trust for anything. Right? However in the William Shakespeare s tragedy, Hamlet, he exposes the few wicked relationships within different character s transactions. This essay expresses how without support or a backbone in a relationship can be detriment to any self growth for the future. Shakespeare devotes his scripting to narrate the hideous ironic deathRead MoreBetrayal, the Only Truth that Sticks766 Words   |  3 PagesHamlet demonstrates the betrayal between family, friends, and lovers. Trust becomes a very invisible in this tragic story. Those who say keep friends close, but enemies closer should watch out for family members. In Hamlet power becomes more important than family, which causes betrayal between two brothers. Claudius storms up this clever idea to gain the power he desperately craves, so he decides to poison his own brother. â€Å"Ghost: †¦Now, Hamlet, hear: ’Tis given out that, sleeping in my orchard,Read MoreHamlet Prevailing Themes Act One1055 Words   |  5 PagesAnguish and Frustration Hamlet is the only character in act one that seems to be deeply affected by the passing of the last king. In fact, Queen Gertrude and King Claudius are quite jubilant because of their new found love and power together. This greatly contributes to the Anguish Hamlet feels because nobody else can identify with his loss. Hamlet’s anguish and frustration is clearly highlighted when he says this to himself, â€Å"O God! a beast that wants discourse of reason, Would have mourn’dRead MoreThe Great Prince Of Denmark, Hamlet, By William Shakespeare1487 Words   |  6 Pagesthe plot and surrounding characters of his plays. One of his most famous tragedies, Hamlet, revolves around the great prince of Denmark, Hamlet, who encounters the apparition of his deceased father, the former king. The ghost asks that Hamlet seeks revenge upon Claudius, his uncle and new father, for it was he who murdered him and seduced the queen, as a plan to gain top status in society. Faking madness, Hamlet strives to kill Claudius, and although successful, many other lives, including his ownRead MoreFilm Analysis Of Mel Gibsons Hamlet And The Movie815 Words   |  4 PagesHamlet (1990), a tragic, calamitous movie based on a play features the protagonist, Hamlet, whose life takes a dramatic turn when he is summoned home to Denmark to attend his fathers funeral. The movie is full of jaw-dropping plot twists surrounding betrayal, love, loyalty, murder, and, over all madness. From the intense, heated arguments to the somewhat sweet, heartfelt moments, this play has it all. The audience witnesses Hamlets emotional outbursts throughout the play as he struggles to figureRead MoreHamlet and Gertrudes Relationship Essay824 Words   |  4 PagesHamlet by William Shakespeare focuses on the title character plotting vengeance against Claudius for his fathers murder to capture the Danish crown. The new king is also Hamlets uncle and now stepdad due to the marriage with his mother, Gertrude. Through a sequence of events, the protagonist eventually avenges his father, although both his mother and himself fall to a tragic fate as well. Throughout the course of the play, the relationship between Hamlet and Gertrude changes from strained to aRead MoreHamlet, By William Shakespeare Essay1580 Words   |  7 PagesIn the play Hamlet by William Shakespeare, it is clear that Hamlet’s character is truly a puzzled one. It is no secret that Hamlet is dis pleased with his life and the relationships around him. William Shakespeare in evaluating Hamlet’s relationship with his mother Gertrude and lover Ophelia creates an interesting love-hate relationship. Gertrude and Ophelia both deeply care for Hamlet but he does not seem to recognize that love and is instead blinded by his father’s revenge. Throughout the play,

Californias Death Penalty - 1667 Words

 ¿Californias Death Penalty? What are we mad about electricity rates, gasoline prices, traffic congestion and crowded schools? Were missing the point here. What were missing here is some good, old and honest anger about an issue that has been a concern for decades Ââ€" Californias Death Penalty. The Death Penalty has long been a problem in California from costs, deterrence, overcrowded prisons, execution of the innocent and so on. Then if were having all these problems why should we continue using this system? The death penalty is the sentence of execution for murder and other capital crimes. Which are punishable by death? The death penalty is used only in 38 states (www.deathpenalty.org). The state of California is home to the nations†¦show more content†¦The death sentence, once carried out, is irreversible. If society executes an innocent prisoner, there is no way to undo the error. The advantage of imprisonment it always leaves the possibility of overturning a wrongfu l conviction (Capital Punishment, pg 19-20). While years lost because of being incarcerated it cannot be returned but there might be some sort of compensation. The possibility that innocent sentenced to death does exist. In California, at least six men have been sentenced to death, that were either acquitted on the charge of murder or had their murder convictions overturned (www.deathpenalty.org). California has executed just 10 inmates since it restored capital punishment in 1978. In that same period, 38 death row inmates have died of other causes: three were killed by other prisoners, a dozen committed suicide and the rest died of natural causes (www.deathpenalty.org) According to California law, all death penalty appeals are heard by the Supreme Court. It is more likely that an inmate, who is sentenced to death, will sit on death row for more than five years before he is appointed an attorney for his first and mandatory appeal to the California Supreme Court. The death penalty or capital punishment may be approved by Congress or the states legislature for murder and other capital crimes. The Supreme Court has ruled that the death penalty is a violation of the eighth amendments banShow MoreRelated Californias Death Penalty Essay1570 Words   |  7 Pages  ¿California’s Death Penalty? nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;What are we mad about electricity rates, gasoline prices, traffic congestion and crowded schools? We’re missing the point here. What were missing here is some good, old and honest anger about an issue that has been a concern for decades – California’s Death Penalty. The Death Penalty has long been a problem in California from costs, deterrence, overcrowded prisons, execution of the innocent and so on. Then if were having all these problemsRead MoreThe Pros And Cons Of The Death Penalty915 Words   |  4 PagesThe Death Penalty is the punishment of execution to someone who legally by court of law convicted a capital crime. In the United States of America this is mainly used for aggravated murder. Additionally this means that the murder has circumstances that are severe. For instance it was planned murder, intentionally killed below the age of 13, killed someone while serving term in prison, killed a law officer, and killed someone or ille gally terminated a person’s pregnancy while in the process of committingRead Moreshould the death penalty be reinstated in the uk?1239 Words   |  5 Pagesï » ¿Should the death penalty be reinstated in the UK? The restoration of the death penalty for serious crimes is an issue of debate in the UK because of the recent rise in violent crime. It is said that at least 17,833 people are under the sentence of the death penalty worldwide as of 31 December 2010. The death penalty or otherwise known as the capital punishment is a legal process where a person is put to death by the state as a punishment for a crime. Currently it is only allowed in 32 states andRead MoreThe Death Penalty Should Be Abolished1306 Words   |  6 Pageschanged since the 17th century, so why not the age old penalty of death? Capital punishment in the United States is a highly debated topic. Arguments that want to get rid of this method of punishment usually mention the many problems that capital punishment is plagued with. The death penalty has many issues that cannot be resolved, and since these issues can’t be solved, the death penalty should be abolished. â€Å"The irrevocable nature of the death penalty rend ers it an unsustainable and indefensible remedyRead MoreProposition 62 : Repeal The Death Penalty Essay1599 Words   |  7 Pages Proposition 62: Repeal of the Death Penalty In my lifetime alone, same sex marriage has been legalized, the use of marijuana has been legalized and technology has advanced so substantially that we are always connected, allowing news and ideas to spread quickly throughout the nation. In the last 10 years more than ever, I feel that the Constitution and its ideas have been questioned. It seems we’ve realized that a list of rules written over 200 years ago are becoming arbitrary. More specificallyRead MoreThe Consequences Of The Death Penalty Essay1573 Words   |  7 Pagesthey do consider the risks, they are typically not focused upon the long-term consequences, such as death, but rather the immediate arrest and imprisonment. In fact, according to Kovandzic et al. (2009), the long-term risks never enter the forefront of the criminal’s mind during the decision-making process. By narrowing their focus upon the gains rather than the costs, they are able to minimize (or even eliminate) their fear of arrest and pun ishment, and even sometimes believing they wouldn’t getRead MoreThe Death Penalty Should Be Abolished Essay1883 Words   |  8 Pagesproposiitons about the death penalty will be voted on Noverber 8, 2016. The first one is Propostion 62, which requires to repeal the death penalty and replace it with life imprisonment without possibility of parole. Another one is Proposition 66 that claims to reform death penalty system by limiting processes of appeals and appointing attorneys to accept capital cases. Although whether repealing or reforming death penalty is still controversial, the current debate reflects that the death penalty system in CaliforniaRead MoreThe Current Problem Of Death Penalty Essay2202 Words   |  9 PagesProblem of Death Penalty System in California? In California, two propositions about the death penalty will be voted on November 8, 2016. The first one is proposition 62, which requires repealing the death penalty and replacing it with life imprisonment without possibility of parole. Another one is Proposition 66 that claims to reform a death penalty system by limiting processes of appeals and appointing attorneys to accept capital cases. Although whether repealing or reforming death penalty is stillRead MoreEssay on Crime and Punishment is not Enough1649 Words   |  7 Pages There are all different kinds of punishments for the different crimes that occur. The death penalty is one punishment used for certain crimes. However, the death penalty is not used enough. Every man or woman that commits murder, rape, or molestation should automatically receive the death penalty. One reason why the death penalty is not used enough is because it comes out of everybodys tax money. Death row should be funded by the person being penalized and the government. Americans shouldRead MoreThe Death Penalty Is Not A New Practice Essay1741 Words   |  7 Pagesconsequence; and under the law of the state of Florida, death is an option for those who commit capital punishment crimes. In fact, Florida was the first state to reinstate the death penalty after the Supreme Court case Furman v. Georgia, and consequently, it was the first state to perform an actual execution after the court case settled. Though many citizens and politicians consider the state of Florida harsher than most states concerning the death sentence, it still falls short in one respect: gender

Jane Eyres Self

Jane Eyre?s Self-Discovery Essay The novel Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Bronte consists of continuous journey through Janes life towards her final happiness and freedom. Janes physical journeys contribute significantly to plot development and to the idea that the novel is a journey through Janes life. Each journey causes her to experience new emotions and an eventual change of some kind. These actual journeys help Jane on her four figurative journeys, as each one allows her to reflect and grow. Jane makes her journey from Gateshead to Lowood at the age of ten, finally freeing her from her restrictive life with her aunt, who hates her. Jane resented her harsh treatment by her aunt. Mrs. Reeds attitude towards Jane highlights on of the main themes of the novel, the social class. Janes aunt sees Jane as inferior, who is less than a servant. Jane is glad to be leaving her cruel aunt and of having the chance of going to school. At Lowood she wins the friendship of everyone there, but her life is difficult because conditions are poor at the school. She has come to be respected by the teachers and students, largely due to the influence of her teacher, Miss Temple, who has taken a part as a mother, governess, and a companion. Jane has found in Miss temple what Mrs. Reed always denied her. Also at Lowood Jane confront another main theme of the novel, the natural violence, which is depicted by Bronte then typhus kills many of the students including Janes best friend, Helen Burns. This scene is especially important, because it makes Jane stronger, which is appropriate, as mentally strong people cope with violence in a more rational way. As Jane grows up and passes the age of eighteen, she advertises herself as a governess and is hired to a place called Thornfield. Although journeying into the completely unknown, Jane does not look back, only forward to her new life and her freedom at Thornfield. This particular journey marks a huge change in Janes life; its a fresh start for her. Another important journey Jane makes is from Gateshead back to Thornfield having visited her aunt Reed on her deathbed. By then Jane realizes that she loves Rochester. A key theme is raised here, Jane fierce desire to love and to be loved. She feels alone and isolated when she has no friends around her. This is a sharp contrast compared to other characters search for money and social position. These contrasting themes strengthened with every journey she makes. When returning to Thornfield Jane is unhappy, but keeps her promise to Mr. Rochester and his daughter. She believes at this point that Mr. Rochester is going to marry Blanche Ingram, and that she will have to leave Thornfield and never see Mr. Rochester again. However, Mr. Rochester offers his hand in marriage to Jane, but her happiness is short-lived after finding out that he is still married to Bertha. Although so many terrible things are happening to her, her spirit remains unbroken. Jane flees from Thronfield and Mr. Roches ter. Jane hearing Rochesters voice calling her prompts her final journey from St. John to Thornfield. Jane and Rochesters relationship blossoms once again, but differently than before. In the past, Jane felt like an inferior to Rochester because he was her employer and was wealthy. Jane now feels at perfect ease, Rochester has become a better man because of his disabilities. Ultimately, these four journeys mirror Janes four emotional journeys. She transforms from an immature child to an intelligent adult. Jane also changes from innocent and nave to mature and strong-willed person. All of her experiences teach her how to love and feel loved and to discover her true family roots.