Here is an idea that came to my mind yesterday as I was reading Acts 2 and 3. It is by no means a finished work, but I think writing about it helped me understand the acts better.
Here it is:
When I started reading Hamlet, I assumed that it was a story about revenge. From the moment Hamlet speaks to his father's ghost, it seems that he is eager to avenge his father's death and put things back to normal. However, upon studying Acts 2 and 3, I realized that the decision to restore order in the kingdom and do away with his father's killer (his Uncle) was not an easy one for him to make.
While Hamlet seems to be eager to restore order in the kingdom upon speaking to his father's ghost, he shows reluctance later in the work. Perhaps this reluctance stems from respect for the King. In Act 2 Scene 2 the Queen states the following when the King speaks of Hamlet’s change: Good gentlemen, he hath much talked of you, and sure I am two men there is not living to whom he more adheres." I feel like this statement from the Queen shows an allegiance to the King that is not explicitly mentioned by Shakespeare. It is highly possible that Hamlet has had, prior to finding out about his father's murder, a very positive relationship with his uncle. Maybe they were friends. Maybe they had shared common interests. It is impossible to know exactly, but this statement from Hamlet's mother, quite possibly one of the people who know him the best, could be a reason why later in the work Hamlet shows discomfort in the idea in offing his uncle.
Any suggestions?
