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Examples Of Obligation In Hamlet

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Examples Of Obligation In Hamlet
Even though, Hamlet still lovHamlet and Ophelia: A Tree that never Blossoms
In Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the Prince of Denmark is known well for his complex outlook and his perplexing relationship with those who surround him, specifically Ophelia and Gertrude. In this story, the themes duty and obligation provided the driving force behind the actions of several characters, such as Hamlet. Hamlet’s overwhelming public duty makes it unclear as to what he personally wants. As seen within the play, Hamlet also experiences a psychological change which led to a change in how he views others.

Towards the beginning of the play, Hamlet learns that Claudius had murdered his father in which he then states, “I'll wipe away all trivial fond records, All saws of books, all forms, all pressures past, That youth and observation copied there; And thy commandment all alone shall live Within the book and volume of my brain” (1.5.99-103). This quote reveals Hamlet’s determination to obtain revenge by killing Claudius, which ends up becoming Hamlet’s public duty. Hamlet obtains this obligation to extract revenge for his father, but such duty begins to interfere with his own personal wants. Aside from his obligation, the way how Hamlet viewed others changed due …show more content…
A perfect example that expresses Hamlet’s love for Ophelia was the letter which he sends for her. In the letter, Hamlet writes “never doubt I love” and that his love for her is real (2.2.127). Hamlet’s sexual jokes towards Ophelia also serves as examples of Hamlet’s love. In Act 3 Scene 1, Hamlet states, “It would cost you a groaning to take off my edge" after Ophelia told him that he was keen as in he has a smart wit, but Hamlet immediately turns it into a sexual innuendo. Based on these examples, one can easily infer that Hamlet deeply loves Ophelia. Sadly, the psychological change which Hamlet went through changes how he expressed his love towards
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