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Hamlet Discourse

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Muhammad Ashiq
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26 views

Hamlet Discourse

Uploaded by

Muhammad Ashiq
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Political Discourse

Hamlet
• Hamlet by William Shakespeare contains significant political discourse. The
play is deeply rooted in issues of power, leadership, and the complex workings
of a monarchy. Here’s a breakdown of how political themes are woven into the
story.
• The Legitimacy of Power
• When the play begins, the throne of Denmark is already in a precarious
position. King Hamlet’s death and Claudius' rapid marriage to Queen Gertrude
seem unusual. Claudius assumes power not through direct succession but by
manipulating his position.
• Claudius’ Political Maneuvering:
• Claudius presents himself as a stable and diplomatic ruler, calming
potential unrest by hosting celebrations and addressing the court’s
concerns. In Act 1, Scene 2, he says:
• "With mirth in funeral and with dirge in marriage, / In equal scale
weighing delight and dole.“
• This shows how Claudius masks his opportunism under the guise of
balancing grief and joy, using political rhetoric to secure his rule.
• Corruption and Moral Decay in Leadership
• Denmark is depicted as a state in moral and political decay. Marcellus famously states
• "Something is rotten in the state of Denmark" (Act 1, Scene 4).
• Claudius is the central figure of corruption. He murders his brother to take the throne,
hides his crime, and manipulates others to maintain power. His deceit creates a ripple
effect, causing distrust and instability in the court.
• The play critiques how unchecked ambition and moral corruption in leadership lead
to the downfall of both individuals and nations.
• Spying and Surveillance: A Tool of Power
• Throughout the play, spying and manipulation are used as political tools:Polonius: He sends
Reynaldo to spy on his son, Laertes, in Paris, showing his mistrust and political cunning.
• Claudius and Gertrude: They use Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to spy on Hamlet,
attempting to understand his erratic behavior.
• Hamlet: He himself engages in a form of surveillance by staging the play The Mousetrap to
"catch the conscience of the king" (Act 2, Scene 2).
• This pervasive spying reflects the lack of transparency and trust in the political environment
of Elsinore, highlighting the toxic atmosphere of power struggles.
• The Fragility of the State
• The political instability within Denmark mirrors the chaos in Hamlet’s personal life. Claudius’
regicide and Hamlet’s quest for revenge destabilize the kingdom, creating an environment ripe
for external threats.
• Fortinbras and Norway
• Fortinbras is initially presented as a military threat, seeking to reclaim territory lost by his
father. Claudius defuses this threat diplomatically, showcasing his political acumen.
• However, the internal turmoil in Denmark leaves the state vulnerable. By the end, Fortinbras
takes over the Danish throne without resistance, symbolizing the kingdom’s complete
collapse.
• The Duality of Leaders: Public vs. Private Persona
• Claudius exemplifies the dual nature of political figures. Publicly, he acts
as a capable and compassionate king, but privately, he is consumed by
guilt and fear of exposure. In his soliloquy, he admits:
• "O, my offence is rank, it smells to heaven; / It hath the primal eldest
curse upon't, / A brother's murder!" (Act 3, Scene 3).
• This duality reflects the timeless challenge of political leaders maintaining
appearances while grappling with personal flaws and ambitions.
• Justice and the Rule of Law
• Hamlet's struggle to avenge his father raises questions about justice and
the moral complexities of leadership.
• The play critiques the failure of institutional justice, as Claudius’ crime
goes unpunished by the law. Hamlet feels compelled to take matters into
his own hands, reflecting a breakdown of trust in the political system.
• The broader implication is the tension between personal revenge and the
need for a fair and impartial justice system in governance.
• War and Diplomacy
• The subplot involving Fortinbras and Norway adds a layer of political realism to the play.
Fortinbras is initially prepared to wage war for a trivial piece of land, but his actions are
ultimately restrained by diplomacy.
• This subplot contrasts with the chaos in Denmark, showing how stable leadership can prevent
unnecessary conflict.
• The End: A Shift in Power
• The death of nearly all major characters in the final act symbolizes the cost of political
corruption and revenge. Fortinbras’ arrival marks a transfer of power and the hope for a more
stable future.
• Hamlet explores political discourse through its portrayal of power
struggles, corruption, and the fragility of leadership. Shakespeare critiques
the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by rulers, emphasizing how
personal flaws and unchecked ambition can destabilize a nation. These
themes make the play not just a story of revenge but a profound
commentary on politics, governance, and the human condition.

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