The story of Hamlet is one of the most popular and well-known tragedies written by William Shakespeare. It follows the journey of Prince Hamlet as he seeks revenge for the murder of his father, King Hamlet. Throughout this story, Hamlet provides a number of memorable quotes about revenge that have made it an enduring classic. These quotes provide insight into the themes and ideas explored in the play, and continue to resonate with audiences to this day. Here are some of the best Hamlet revenge quotes that demonstrate his powerful thoughts on revenge and justice.”Revenge should know no bounds.” – William Shakespeare, Hamlet
“Revenge is a confession of pain.” – John Ford, ‘Tis Pity She’s a Whore
“The spirit that I have seen may be the devil: and the devil hath power to assume a pleasing shape.” – William Shakespeare, Hamlet
“Revenge is a kind of wild justice.” – Francis Bacon
“If you seek revenge, dig two graves.” – Chinese Proverb
“Revenge is an act of passion; vengeance of justice. Injuries are revenged; crimes are avenged.” – Samuel Johnson
Revenge in Hamlet
The theme of revenge is apparent throughout William Shakespeare’s tragedy, Hamlet. It is a tale of Prince Hamlet’s struggle to avenge his father’s death and punish his uncle Claudius for murdering him. It is the main driving force behind the plot and the words uttered by characters like the ghost of the slain King Hamlet, as well as words spoken by other characters, often reflect this theme.
One of the most memorable quotes on revenge from the play comes from act 5, scene 2, when Laertes states: “To hell, allegiance! Vows, to the blackest devil! Conscience and grace, to the profoundest pit! I dare damnation: To this point I stand, that both worlds I give to negligence, let come what comes; only I’ll be revenged most thoroughly for my father.” Here Laertes’ rage is clear as he declares his willingness to reject all loyalty and morality in order to seek vengeance for his father’s murder.
In another scene from act 3 scene 3, Laertes warns Ophelia against getting involved with Hamlet: “Neither a borrower nor a lender be; For loan oft loses both itself and friend, And borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry. This above all: to thine own self be true” Here Laertes cautions Ophelia about getting too close with Hamlet since it might lead her into tragic circumstances like those that have befallen him due to seeking revenge.
Hamlet himself reflects on revenge in act 3 scene 1 when he says: “O cursed spite that ever I was born to set it right!” He muses about how complicated and difficult it will be to exact revenge against Claudius for killing his father. He also ponders whether or not he should take action at all in act 4 scene 4 when he says “Thus conscience does make cowards of us all; And thus the native hue of resolution Is sicklied o’er with the pale cast of thought” Here he is questioning whether or not it is worth it to put himself in danger by seeking justice for his father’s murder.
In conclusion, William Shakespeare’s tragedy ‘Hamlet’ revolves around revenge as its main theme and many lines throughout the play reflect this idea. Through these quotes we can see how different characters view vengeance differently and how they grapple with their decisions about whether or not they should seek justice for a wrong done against them.
Revenge is a Dish Best Served Cold
Hamlet is a timeless classic that has been studied and referenced by many generations. One of the main themes of the play is revenge, and it has inspired many people to seek justice for wrongs done to them or to their loved ones. Hamlet offers some key ideas about revenge that are still relevant today.
Take Time to Plan Your Revenge
The first key idea from Hamlet about revenge is the importance of taking time to plan out your revenge. Hamlet spends much of the play trying to figure out how to best exact his vengeance upon Claudius for murdering his father. He understands that it will not be an easy task, and instead of rushing into it, he takes his time and carefully considers all his options before deciding on a course of action. This teaches us that we should take our time when planning our own revenge and make sure we are making the right decisions before taking action.
Seek Justice Rather Than Revenge
Another important point from Hamlet about revenge is that true justice should always be sought rather than just seeking personal vengeance. Despite his desire for revenge against Claudius, Hamlet ultimately chooses justice over revenge when he kills him after he has admitted his guilt. By doing this, Hamlet teaches us that it is better to seek justice through legal means rather than just seeking personal vengeance.
Revenge Can Lead To Tragedy
Finally, one of the most important ideas from Hamlet about revenge is that it can lead to tragedy if not handled properly. By the end of the play, almost everyone in the royal family has been killed as a result of trying to take their own version of justice into their own hands. This teaches us that if we do not heed caution when seeking our own form of vengeance, we too can suffer terrible consequences just like those in Hamlet did.
Overall, Hamlet provides us with some key ideas about how best to handle situations involving revenge. By taking our time when planning out our own vengeance, seeking justice instead of simply taking matters into our own hands, and understanding the potential consequences associated with taking action on our own terms, we can avoid suffering from similar tragedies as those in Hamlet did.
Memorable Quotes from Hamlet on Revenge
One of the most memorable quotes from Shakespeare’s Hamlet is “Revenge his foul and most unnatural murder.” This quote is spoken by the Ghost of Hamlet’s father, King Hamlet, and it serves as a call to revenge. It is a reminder to Hamlet that his father was murdered by his uncle, Claudius, and that it is up to him to avenge the king’s death.
Another famous quote from Hamlet speaks directly to revenge: “If it be now, ‘tis not to come; if it be not to come, it will be now; if it be not now, yet it will come—the readiness is all.” This quote conveys the idea that revenge must be taken when the opportunity presents itself. There may never be a perfect time for revenge, so one must seize the moment when available.
The theme of revenge is also found in the statement “O cursed spite/ That ever I was born to set it right!” This quote reveals Hamlet’s ambivalence about taking revenge for his father’s death. He feels burdened by the task but also compelled by duty.
Finally, one of the most powerful quotes regarding revenge comes near the end of the play: “Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.” This quote serves as a reminder that justice does not always take place in this life – some wrongs will only be avenged in an afterlife or cosmic justice system beyond our understanding.
Hamlet has become one of Shakespeare’s most famous plays due in large part to its many memorable quotes about revenge and justice. Each of these quotes provides insight into how Shakespeare viewed these complex topics and how we can view them today.
Hamlet’s Thoughts on Revenge
In William Shakespeare’s classic tragedy, Hamlet, the protagonist wrestles with the moral implications of revenge. Throughout the play, Hamlet is faced with the dilemma of whether to avenge his father’s death by murdering Claudius, or to ignore his desire for revenge and move forward with his life. He ponders this question throughout the play and ultimately decides against taking revenge.
Hamlet is initially driven by a desire for vengeance, which is fueled by his grief and anger over his father’s death. He believes that it is his duty to avenge his father’s death and restore justice to the kingdom. However, as he begins to contemplate the morality of taking revenge, he realizes that it will only lead to more violence and suffering. He also realizes that no matter how much he desires revenge, it will not bring back his father or undo the suffering caused by Claudius’ actions.
The Prince ultimately decides against taking revenge because he understands that it would only perpetuate a cycle of violence and injustice in Denmark. He does not want to be responsible for creating even more bloodshed and suffering in his kingdom. Instead, Hamlet chooses to forgive Claudius and accept that justice will eventually be served in some other way.
At the end of the play, Hamlet makes peace with himself and lets go of his desire for revenge. In doing so, he sets an example for others that violence is not always necessary in order to achieve justice or restore balance in society. By refraining from taking revenge himself, Hamlet demonstrates that sometimes forgiveness can be more powerful than retaliation.
Retribution in Hamlet
The theme of retribution is a strong motif within Shakespeare’s tragedy Hamlet. Throughout the play, characters seek to exact revenge for the wrongs they have suffered or perceived to have suffered. This theme is expressed through an array of literary techniques, including soliloquies, metaphors, and the use of irony.
One example of how retribution is expressed through literary devices is in the character of Hamlet. Throughout his soliloquies, he speaks about his desire for revenge and his unwillingness to take action against Claudius for killing his father. His famous “To be or not to be” speech serves as a powerful reminder of how his thoughts are consumed by thoughts of vengeance. He also uses ironic language to express his feelings about seeking justice for his father’s death. He says that it “would be scanning a thing too curiously” if he decides to take revenge against Claudius at any cost.
Another example comes from the character Ophelia. In her song “Tomorrow Is St Valentine’s Day”, she expresses her desire for retribution by singing about how “all the men may be called away”. She is expressing her desire that all men will receive their just deserts on Valentine’s Day, even if it means they must go away forever.
Finally, one can see how Hamlet’s words about taking swift action against Claudius serves as a metaphor for retribution itself: “If it be now, ’tis not to come; if it be not to come, it will be now; if it be not now yet will come: The readiness is all.” Here he implies that no matter when one takes action against injustice, eventually that person will receive their due reward or punishment.
These examples illustrate how Shakespeare uses literary devices to express the theme of retribution in Hamlet. Through soliloquies, metaphors and irony, characters in the play articulate their desires for justice and seek an appropriate balance between vengeance and mercy.
Quotes About Retribution in Shakespeare’s Hamlet
Retribution is an important theme throughout William Shakespeare’s play Hamlet. As the protagonist of the play, Hamlet seeks revenge for the murder of his father. He is determined to take revenge on those who have wronged him and his family, and believes that justice must be served. Throughout the play, numerous quotes demonstrate the importance of retribution in Hamlet’s mind.
One example of a quote about retribution in Hamlet is “Revenge should have no bounds” (4.4.46). This quote is spoken by Laertes, who is seeking revenge for the death of his father. He believes that revenge should be taken no matter how far it may extend and without any consideration for consequences or morality. This illustrates Laertes’ determination to seek justice and highlights how important retribution was to him and to other characters in the play as well.
Another example of a quote about retribution in Hamlet is “There’s none but asses will be bridled so” (5.1.95). This quote is spoken by Claudius, who is trying to persuade Laertes not to seek revenge for his father’s death. Claudius argues that it would be foolish and ineffective to pursue vengeance as it would only lead to further suffering and conflict. This shows how even those opposed to retribution understand its power and importance in society, even if they do not agree with it entirely.
Finally, another quote about retribution in Hamlet is “Though this be madness, yet there is method in’t” (2.2.203). This quote is popularly attributed to Hamlet himself, though it has been argued that this line was actually spoken by Polonius instead of Hamlet himself. Regardless, this line speaks to how even when people act rashly or impulsively out of anger or grief they still maintain some level of reason and logic behind their actions; thus illustrating why people pursue vengeance despite its potentially destructive consequences.
Overall, these quotes demonstrate how important retribution was as a theme throughout Shakespeare’s play Hamlet; highlighting how characters such as Laertes believed that revenge should have no bounds while others like Claudius argued that it was foolishness; yet all understood the gravity with which people pursues justice when they are wronged or hurt by another person or group.
Ultimately these quotes illustrate why we must always consider both sides when discussing themes such as vengeance: while some may argue that it should never be pursued, others believe it can be necessary for achieving justice in certain situations; thus helping us better understand why characters like Hamlet were so determined to take their revenge on those who had wronged them or their families
Extracts from Shakespeare’s Play About Revenge in Hamlet
Hamlet, the tragedy written by William Shakespeare, portrays the story of a young prince who is seeking revenge for his father’s death. The play follows Hamlet as he seeks to avenge his father’s death by killing his uncle, Claudius. In the play, Hamlet’s desire for revenge is further complicated by his internal struggle between thought and action. He struggles with the moral dilemma of whether or not to take revenge and weighs the consequences of doing so.
The play examines various aspects of revenge, such as justice, morality and loyalty. In one of the most famous speeches in literature, Hamlet ponders whether it is better to suffer injustice or take action against it. He considers that taking action could lead to more suffering if it is unsuccessful or ends in death. This speech reflects on the complexities of revenge and how difficult it can be to decide what course of action to take when faced with injustice.
Throughout the play, Hamlet reveals his inner turmoil over whether or not he should take revenge on Claudius for murdering his father. His soliloquies reveal his ambivalence towards taking action: although he wants justice for his father’s death, he is also aware that revenge can lead to a cycle of violence and destruction that could end up hurting those closest to him. As a result, he wavers between inaction and action throughout the play until finally deciding upon a course of action in Act V.
Shakespeare’s play about revenge in Hamlet demonstrates how complex and difficult taking revenge can be. It shows us that vengeance can be an emotionally charged issue that requires careful consideration before acting on it or deciding against it. The tragedy provides an insight into how difficult it can be when we are faced with wrongdoing and must choose between inaction or taking justice into our own hands.
Conclusion
Hamlet’s revenge quotes provide a powerful insight into the protagonist’s psychological journey in the play. Hamlet’s desire for revenge is deeply rooted in his character and personal experience, and his words offer a fascinating exploration of the human mind in a time of deep personal grief and trauma. By looking at these quotes, we can begin to understand the motivations that lead Hamlet to take action, as well as what drives him to continue despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles. While it is ultimately up to the audience to decide if Hamlet’s revenge was justified or not, there is no doubt that these quotes offer us a powerful glimpse into his innermost thoughts and feelings.
Ultimately, hamlet’s revenge quotes are useful in helping us gain an understanding of the complexities of human life and our capacity for both violence and compassion. They teach us that even when faced with tragedy and despair, we are capable of great courage and strength. In this way, these quotes can be seen as an encouragement to find our own paths of justice and peace in times of conflict.