God's Laws In Hamlet
Elizabethan law is based on perception and appearing respectable establishes order and an honorable reputation and in Hamlet, the self interest of particular characters strays them away from honorable conduct. The selfish fulfillment of personal gain invokes havoc and total disorder within the royal kingdom causing, “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark”(1.4.100). Although social rules of Elizabethan society are major factors in determining a person’s worth, these rules are outweighed by the highest law of the land, the Protestant church. The goal of all citizens in Elizabethan society is to make it to heaven, so following God’s law. Throughout the play, Shakespeare inserts many different biblical allusions reminding the audience of
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He is unable to fully mourn his father’s death as his recently widowed mother marries his own uncle and in result, begins to lose a will to live. Hamlet is disgusted by his mother’s incestous hasty relationship with King Claudius; however, the ghost of Old Hamlet advises Hamlet to “ Leave her to heaven and those to thorns that in her bosom lodge to prick and sting her” (1.5.93-94). Overwhelmed with rage and excitement, Hamlet disregards his father’s wise words and proceeds to curse his mother by crying, “ O Most pernicious woman!” (1.5.112). Hamlet defies the requests of his father as his overall emotions shift from melancholy to excitement. Hamlet’s disdain for his mother will cause him to become irrational and may lead him to murder his own mother, breaking another commandment.
Old Hamlet serves as a lesson to those who have neglected godly commands. Prior to his untimely death, Old Hamlet did not make confessions to the church, leaving him, “Unhouseled, disappointed, unaneled, no reckoning made…” (1.5.84). Without having a chance to confess his sins, Old Hamlet is subjected to purgatory, where he suffers unimaginable pain and torture. Old Hamlet’s testimonies acts as a warning those who commit sinful acts and foreshadows the misfortune certain characters may have after they
He is unable to fully mourn his father’s death as his recently widowed mother marries his own uncle and in result, begins to lose a will to live. Hamlet is disgusted by his mother’s incestous hasty relationship with King Claudius; however, the ghost of Old Hamlet advises Hamlet to “ Leave her to heaven and those to thorns that in her bosom lodge to prick and sting her” (1.5.93-94). Overwhelmed with rage and excitement, Hamlet disregards his father’s wise words and proceeds to curse his mother by crying, “ O Most pernicious woman!” (1.5.112). Hamlet defies the requests of his father as his overall emotions shift from melancholy to excitement. Hamlet’s disdain for his mother will cause him to become irrational and may lead him to murder his own mother, breaking another commandment.
Old Hamlet serves as a lesson to those who have neglected godly commands. Prior to his untimely death, Old Hamlet did not make confessions to the church, leaving him, “Unhouseled, disappointed, unaneled, no reckoning made…” (1.5.84). Without having a chance to confess his sins, Old Hamlet is subjected to purgatory, where he suffers unimaginable pain and torture. Old Hamlet’s testimonies acts as a warning those who commit sinful acts and foreshadows the misfortune certain characters may have after they