5 Reasons Hamlet Hesitates

Quick Links :

The infamous Hamlet hesitation has puzzled scholars and literature enthusiasts for centuries. Why does Hamlet, the protagonist of William Shakespeare's iconic play, fail to avenge his father's murder immediately? The answer lies in the complexities of human psychology, ethics, and the plot itself. In this article, we will delve into five reasons that contribute to Hamlet's hesitation, exploring the character's inner turmoil, moral dilemmas, and the consequences of his actions.

Reason 1: Fear of the Unknown

One of the primary reasons for Hamlet's hesitation is his fear of the unknown consequences of his actions. Avenging his father's murder means killing his uncle, Claudius, who has taken the throne and married Hamlet's mother. This act would not only lead to chaos and possibly civil war but also raises questions about the morality of taking a life, even if it is in the name of justice.

Hamlet's soliloquy in Act 3, Scene 1, showcases his inner turmoil as he grapples with the idea of killing Claudius:

"To be, or not to be: that is the question: Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, Or to take arms against a sea of troubles And by opposing end them."

Hamlet's fear of the unknown is compounded by his uncertainty about the afterlife. He wonders whether death is a transition to a better place or simply the end of existence. This existential crisis paralyzes Hamlet, making it difficult for him to take decisive action.

Reason 2: Moral Ambiguity

Hamlet's hesitation is also rooted in the moral ambiguity of his situation. On one hand, he is driven by a desire for justice and a need to avenge his father's murder. On the other hand, he is aware that killing Claudius would be a morally reprehensible act, equivalent to murder.

This moral dilemma is exemplified in Hamlet's conversation with the ghost of his father, who demands that Hamlet avenges his death:

"Revenge his foul and most unnatural murder. Murder most foul, as in the best it is; But this most foul, strange, and unnatural."

Hamlet is torn between his loyalty to his father and his revulsion at the idea of committing murder. He struggles to reconcile his desire for justice with the moral implications of his actions.

Reason 3: Need for Certainty

Hamlet's hesitation is also driven by his need for certainty. He wants to be absolutely sure that Claudius is guilty of his father's murder and that his actions will be justified.

Hamlet's famous "play within a play" scene, where he stages a reenactment of the murder to gauge Claudius's reaction, is a testament to his need for certainty. He wants to see Claudius's guilt firsthand before taking action.

This need for certainty is rooted in Hamlet's intellectual nature. As a scholar and a philosopher, he is accustomed to seeking knowledge and understanding before making decisions. In this case, his need for certainty leads to indecision and hesitation.

Reason 4: Fear of Consequences

Hamlet's hesitation is also motivated by his fear of the consequences of his actions. He is aware that killing Claudius would lead to a chain reaction of events, potentially destabilizing the kingdom and causing harm to innocent people.

Hamlet's conversation with Horatio, his trusted friend, highlights his concern about the consequences of his actions:

"There's rosemary, that's for remembrance; pray, Love, remember. And there is pansies, that's for thoughts."

Hamlet is reluctant to take action because he is aware of the potential consequences of his decisions. He wants to minimize harm and avoid causing unnecessary chaos.

Reason 5: Emotional Turmoil

Lastly, Hamlet's hesitation is driven by his emotional turmoil. The events of the play have left him feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and depressed. His mother's quick remarriage to Claudius, his uncle's usurpation of the throne, and his father's murder have all contributed to his emotional state.

Hamlet's soliloquy in Act 2, Scene 2, showcases his emotional turmoil:

"O, that this too too solid flesh would melt, Thaw, and resolve itself into a dew! Or that the Everlasting had not fixed His canon 'gainst self-slaughter!"

Hamlet's emotional state makes it difficult for him to think clearly and make rational decisions. His hesitation is a result of his emotional paralysis, which prevents him from taking decisive action.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Hamlet's hesitation is a complex phenomenon that can be attributed to a combination of factors. His fear of the unknown, moral ambiguity, need for certainty, fear of consequences, and emotional turmoil all contribute to his indecision and hesitation.

As we reflect on Hamlet's hesitation, we are reminded of the complexities of human psychology and the challenges of making difficult decisions. Hamlet's story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked emotions, the importance of moral clarity, and the need for careful consideration in the face of uncertainty.