Sin and Pride in Hamlet

The sins of the characters in Shakespeare's Hamlet are many and varied, and can be examined from various viewpoints. From a Christian standpoint, almost every character in the play can be condemned for his or her actions. Taken into a Muslim context, the theme of revenge can be justified, and even praised. Perhaps one of the most interesting ways to consider Hamlet is through the eyes of Dante, a major influence on Shakespeare. Through Dante's work, Hamlet's crimes can be neatly filed into categories and considered rationally. In this way, it can be seen that although Hamlet's worst crime is murder, his most significant failing lies in his excessive pride.

Shakespeare, whose poetry was influenced by Dante (though not to the degree that Chaucer's was) may or may not have accepted Dante's moral code and used it in his writings. The waters surrounding Shakespeare are highly muddied, and little can be known for truth. However, without a firm knowledge of how Shakespeare intended his characters to be judged, one must decide for oneself. Through various value systems, conclusions can be reached about Hamlet and his companions that touch both ends of the spectrum, and virtually everywhere in between. It is only logical to consider the crimes of Hamlet as they fall into Dante's Divine Comedy, knowing that it played such a part in the formation of the master who became known as William Shakespeare.

At the death of Hamlet's father, his uncle, Claudius, becomes king. Hamlet is heartbroken at the loss of his father, and, as he says, "I have that within which passes show - / these but the trappings and suits of woe." (I, ii, ln85-86) Hamlet is so distraught over his father's murder that he feels it cannot be expressed. Then, when the ghost appears to him, it claims to be his father and entreats him to get revenge "if thou didst ever thy dear father love - " (I, iv, ln23). Hamlet, in his weakened state, cannot resist this plea. He does not struggle long with his emotions before deciding to do as the ghost requests.