Religion In Hamlet

Religion is a two-way street. While it can save some, it is the downfall for others. In terms of William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, this is especially true. In this work, there also appear to be many subliminal references to sin; more specifically, the ten commandments. These examples range from “Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother” to the more obvious “Thou Shall Not Covet or Steal” and “Thou Shalt Not Kill” amongst others. In all, Shakespeare’s use of religion within Hamlet, shows how one act of evil can lead unto another and another until there is nothing left. From the time of our birth, our trust is seemingly placed into the hands of our parents. As the fifth commandment states, we are to “Honor thy father and they mother”.
This is also in Hamlet as Claudius covets things held both by his brother; his wife, Gertrude, and the throne. While Claudius may have had wealth and power on his own, it was not enough for him. The one thing he truly desired was the throne, and it could be argued that Gertrude was merely the bonus that came with the crown. Although there is speculation that Claudius also killed his brother to marry Gertrude, it is more reasonable that he killed for the crown. This whole scenario is summarized in Act I, scene 5, as the ghost of King Hamlet details all that he has lost “Thus was I, sleeping, by a brother’s hand Of life, of crown, of queen at once dispatched” (Shakespeare 189). The ghost is also now fully able to realize what happened to him and explain it all to Hamlet in rather compete detail. As Hamlet is the only person who distrusts Claudius, it is practically up to him to prove the sin that Claudius has committed. One should also follow the commandment of “Thou shall not steal”. This commandment also goes hand in hand with “Thou shall not covet”, as everything Claudius has coveted he has also stolen. Although this is not addressed directly, Claudius has managed to win over both the court and Gertrude; who supports Claudius in nearly everything he does. Aside from everything Claudius has stolen, it should also be noted that Hamlet was actually stolen as well by the pirates presented in Act IV. In Act IV, scene 6, Horatio receives letters from a sailor sent by Hamlet. The letter tells Horatio that pirates have overthrown the ship Hamlet was on, and in the ensuing battle, the pirates took Hamlet captive. In exchange for his life, he gave provided the pirates with something they needed much more, but it is not made clear what that is exactly. Hamlet also informs Horatio that the pirates are treating him well and will be bringing him back to Denmark. This is also one of the larger