The Nature of Evil in William Shakespeare's Hamlet

Society has been preoccupied by the concept of good and offensive since the emergence of civilization and, just as humankind has evolved everywhere time, so has the definition of evil. Evil was first used to account someone who placed themselves above others and it wasnt until the Old and Middle side period that evil became associated with wrong-doing. As time passed, the definition continue to become increasingly more specific until it reached its modern daylight definition: extreme moral wickedness. (www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=evil) However, what one in the long run defines as evil depends on ones personal experiences, indite of reference, and culture. For instance, during World War II, the Americans believed that dropping an atomic bomb on Hiroshima was an act of good as it ended conflict with the Japanese. On the other hand, the Japanese viewed it as an act of evil as the bombings resulted in the deaths of thousands of people. This proves that good and evil cannot always be seen as simply black or white, but also as shades of grey making it difficult to label characters in various literary works, especially those of William Shakespeare. The ambiguity of evil in William Shakespeares hamlet forces spectators to interpret each characters thoughts, actions, and personality in order to place them properly on the gradient of evil.

heedless of ones personal idea of evil, Claudius can be seen as a villain from many standpoints. He constantly performs actions with catty intent and expresses true love only for himself. The first and around important act that Claudius commits is the murder of his own brother, which he does to acquire the crown of Denmark, as described by King Hamlets ghost: Now, Hamlet, hear. Tis given out that, sleeping in my orchard, A serpent stung me so the whole ear of Denmark Is by a forged process of my death Rankly abusd but know, thou alarming youth, The serpent that did sting thy fathers life Now wears his crown. (I.v.34-40) The... If you want to happen a full essay, order it on our website: Orderessay

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