In Hamlet, Shakespeare utilizes several foil characters to help readers better comprehend Hamlet’s character. One such foil is Claudius, Hamlet’s uncle, who killed King Hamlet and married his wife to become a king. Although Claudius may not seem as obvious a foil as Laertes or Fortinbras, his decisiveness, immorality, and lust for power are the main features that help better understand Hamlet.
Claudius is a decisive and methodical person, and his well-considered actions emphasize Hamlet’s impulsive nature. For example, when Hamlet first meets the Ghost, he makes a rash decision, saying, “Go on. I’ll follow thee” (Shakespeare I; iv; 86). He wishes to look heroic in front of Marcellus and Horatio and does not ponder the consequences. In contrast, Claudius’ decisions are smart and reasonable, and the man thinks thoroughly about killing King Hamlet and attains his goal.
Another feature that distinguishes Claudius from Hamlet and helps reveal the Prince’s characteristics is immorality. Claudius ignores all morality laws without regret when he murders King Hamlet and marries his wife. On the contrary, Hamlet appreciates fidelity, loyalty, and truthfulness and feels guilt: “Sir, in my heart there was a kind of fighting / That would not let me sleep” (Shakespeare V; ii; 4-5). Moreover, Hamlet suffers pangs of conscience every time he needs to make a decision, while Claudius can attain his goal in defiance of morality.
Finally, Claudius’ lust for power distinguishes him from Hamlet, even though Hamlet finds himself in a similar position. Thus, when Hamlet accidentally kills Polonius, he realizes that he is in the same situation as Claudius. However, Claudius is guided by his desire to become a king, while Hamlet does not plan to commit a murder, and he regrets his deed deeply. Although both men strive for power, Claudius makes everything to achieve his goal, while Hamlet is plagued by the decisions he has to make.
Having analyzed Hamlet’s foil Claudius, one can conclude that this character helps reveal Hamlet’s hidden features. Claudius’ decisiveness is contrasted with Hamlet’s rashness, while his immorality emphasizes Prince’s rationale and remorse. Claudius does what Hamlet thinks, demonstrating that they are similar, but still, some difference exists.
Work Cited
Shakespeare, William. The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince od Denmark. Puffin Books, 2011.