Analyzing the Battle of Good and Evil in Literature

Good versus evil is a common theme in literature. It is used in movies, books, and plays. Disney moves usually focus on good versus evil, with good winning the battle. In Hamlet, Prince of Denmark by William Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe's Doctor Faustus things take a turn for the worst. Both Hamlet and Faustus start out good, but several events take place through out the play that turn both characters to evil. Not only events but people also influences Hamlet and Faustus. Through out the play Hamlet and Faustus are being torn between good and evil. Will good once again triumph over evil or will evil prevail? Hamlet, Prince of Denmark and Doctor Faustus show us that evil can consume the life of anyone.

Summary of Plays

When Hamlet hears of his father's death, he becomes very depressed. One night Hamlet finds a spirit walking the grows of the castle. The spirit tells him to kill Claudius. Hamlet is now faced with the decision to kill Claudius or ignore the spirit. Hamlet decides to seek revenge on Claudius. If Hamlet kills him, evil will win. Hamlet struggles with this decision throughout the play. Claudius sets up a duel between Hamlet and Laertes. Hamlet scores a point and his mother the Queen decides to drink to her son, not knowing the drink was poisoned. The queen dies immediately. Laertes then tells Hamlet that his blade has been poisoned by Claudius. Hamlet then takes Laertes sword and stabs Claudius, then he makes him drink the poison. Before Hamlet dies he tells his best friend to tell this story to everyone.