Revenge

The theme of revenge is very clear throughout the entire play, and is perhaps the most prominent of all the themes since this is a ‘revenge tragedy.’ Most significantly, Hamlet, Laertes, and Fortinbras are all tasked with revenge, though they carry out their duties in very different ways. They are all driven by their filial obligations – that is, the services and actions that children must provide for their parents out of respect and honour. For example, it is immediately established by the ghost that Hamlet must avenge his father’s murder. However, throughout the play it is evident that the revenge plots put in place are quite damaging to the mental and physical health of the individuals. It can eventually lead to moral degradation, obsessive behaviours, and death.