The Revenge Wrapped in Tragedy

Shakespeare's Hamlet is more of a tragedy than a revenge plot in that it follows the unfortunate downfall of a prince due to his vengeful goal rather than the honour or justice brought about by his revenge. The tragedy underlies the plot in three fateful elements: death, corruption and betrayal, themes that echo throughout the play and resonate in each character's actions ultimately leading to their own demise, whether by their own hand or someone else's. These elements are represented in the following three examples: firstly, the death of innocent characters who became wrapped up in the corruption of the royal family; secondly, the protagonist's ultimate destruction in the end caused by his actions; and thirdly, the lies and dishonesty that spill over into the most sacred of relationships, those between family and those between a king and his people, thereby destroying any glimmer of hope for a happy ending.…