Power is recognized as having a heavy influence on a group of individuals or over someone. In the dramatic tragedy Hamlet by William Shakespeare, power can be portrayed as the theme that drives the play. There are several chains of events in the play that have resulted as a result of power. King Claudius expresses his unquenchable desire to maintain power through involvement in various immoral acts that range from corruption to murder. From Claudius’ thirst for power, the theme of power leads to the sprouting of madness, betrayal, revenge, and corruption of morality. The Ghost exercises his power or authority as a king and father commands Hamlet to avenge his murder, Claudius murders his brother to achieve power and Claudius uses his diplomatic power to authorize the English King to execute Hamlet.
The theme of power can be witnessed when the ghost of Hamlet’s father expresses his power both as a king and father and commands his son, Hamlet, to avenge his murder. According to act 1 scene 5, “Revenge his foul and most unnatural murder. Murder most foul, as in the best it is, but this foulest, strange, and unnatural” (Shakespeare, 1991). These metaphorical words were from the ghost of Hamlet’s father, revealing to the audience and Hamlet that his murder was unnatural, unjust, and foul. At this point, Hamlet already knows that his father’s death was not that which is natural as it was known initially. With the quotes from the Ghost, the death of King Hamlet is still not resolved, even though it is an act of necessary revenge for the repose of the tormented soul. The audience does not approve of King Claudius’ act because, morally, brothers are supposed to care for and support each other.
Additionally, the Ghost reveals the person responsible for his death “A serpent stung me. So the whole ear of Denmark..Is, by a forgèd process of my death… The serpent that did sting thy father’s life Now wears his crown” (Shakespeare, 1991, act 1, scene 5). This imagery reveals how the people of Denmark have been misled by the accounts that were made concerning his death. The quote also represents biblical imagery, King Hamlet seems to directly refer to the snake that led to the fall of Adam and Eve from grace. Before the end of the conversation between Hamlet and his father, the prince, as well as the audience, through their instincts, are able to know who was responsible for the murder. It is clear to the audience how the quotes are useful in cementing the relationship between Claudius’ heinous act to King Hamlet’s tragic plight. Therefore, it is known that Claudius got into the throne because of some selfish reasons after murdering the existing king.
Claudius’ murder of his brother to achieve power, therefore, is an approval that his thirst for power was the driving force behind the foul act. In act 1 scene 2 “The whole kingdom/to be contracted in one brow of woe”, Claudius says (Shakespeare, 1991). The used metaphor in the quote reveals their thought of Claudius concerning the throne and his brother. He recognizes that killing the old king Hamlet is the only way to ascend to power. The kingdom is given a new start under the new leadership of Claudius, whose actions are based on devious ways. The manner in which he conducted his authority in an unjust, corrupt, and authoritarian way is disapproved by the audience.
In addition, “Welcome, dear Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. Moreover, that we much did long to see you, the need we have to use you did provoke our hasty sending” (Shakespeare, 1991, act 2, scene 2). The metaphorical quotes reveal to both the audience and the people of Denmark how Claudius was yearning for the throne. The words are said by Claudius after the murder of old King Hamlet; the audience can recognize the manipulation of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern; Claudius is welcoming the two to spy and find the reasons why Hamlet is going crazy. King Claudius shows how he cares and how responsible he will be to the people after the death of King Hamlet. Having inherited all that he wanted, Gertrude, the queen of Denmark, and her family and the throne. The acts by King Claudius when he murdered King Hamlet as the only way to get to the throne and later on pretend to the public to be caring are disapproved by the audience.
Claudius uses his diplomatic power to authorize the English King to execute Hamlet. “Oh, for two key reasons which to you may seem weak to you, but yet to me are strong”, says Claudius (Shakespeare, 1991, act 4, scene 7). The metaphorical words are used to express the reasons why Claudius is unable to carry out the killing himself but has, instead, in his power, delegated the responsibility to Laertes. The audience is able to recognize the reasons behind the quotes, the love that Claudius has for Gertrude, and the close relationship that she has with her son Hamlet. Claudius knows that conducting the act of killing may bring an end to the relationship that he has with Gertrude, a situation he could not bear happening. In addition, King Claudius is unable to conduct the act because Hamlet is in court and is loved by many. However, he has the power to coordinate the act.
Additionally, “that will ensure Hamlet’s death. Claudius believes that his plan is so airtight even Hamlet’s mother will not suspect foul play in the death of her son” (Shakespeare, 1991, act 5, scene 7). The words that Claudius speaks to Laertes are metaphorical; they explain why the act of killing must be carried out in a stealthy manner. Moreover, the audience is able to recognize how they need for killing Hamlet was necessary. The audience disapproves of the acts and plans that Claudius wants to conduct for Hamlet who is considered a close family member.
References
Shakespeare, W. (1991). Hamlet: [1604]. Oxford Text Archive Core Collection.