Sacrifice In Hamlet

How universal is Human nature? To what degree does human nature effect how one reacts to new situations? In Shakespeare’s Hamlet, investigates these questions and describes the human instinct to resolve uncertainties of the past. Shakespeare reveals the absolute need for humans to reconcile the past when presented with a new situation by displaying the harm one is willing to inflict on others, as well as the sacrifices one is willing to take, to achieve reconciliation. He also argues this by demonstrating this attribute to be innate to all humans, regardless of morality or self-interest.

In the play, Hamlet is determined to reconcile the past by enacting revenge on his uncle, Claudius, for murdering his father. In his pursuit for revenge, many new situations arise that test his resolve. In response to these circumstances, Hamlet acts increasingly erratic, and even murderous, to achieve his goal. While Polonius hides away to eavesdrop on a conversation between Hamlet and Gertrude, Hamlet discovers his presence
Shakespeare uses murder and death to convey the extent of sacrifice one is willing to make to reconcile the past. The use of Fortinbras’ army and the murdering of Polonius displays the individuals lack of restraint to pursue reconciliation and accentuates the extreme obligation one feels to achieve it. Shakespeare also explains that this trait can be attributed to every human being, by depicting the malicious, vindictive, antagonist to still desire reconciliation for his past actions. One can observe through these examples,that Shakespeare firmly believes in the universal human nature to resolve uncertainties in the past, as well as the overwhelming power it has when reacting to new