Revenge is a powerful theme that runs throughout William Shakespeare’s tragic play, Hamlet. Throughout the play, various characters seek revenge for their own personal causes and drives, leading to a multitude of memorable quotes about revenge. These quotes from Hamlet shine a light on the complex and powerful emotions that come with seeking revenge.”If thou didst ever hold me in thy heart, absent thee from felicity awhile, and in this harsh world draw thy breath in pain, to tell my story.” – Hamlet
“Revenge should know no bounds.” – Hamlet
“If you seek revenge, dig two graves.” – Hamlet
“A man that fortune’s buffets and rewards hast ta’en with equal thanks: and blest are those whose blood and judgement are so well commingled, that they are not a pipe for fortune’s finger to sound what stop she please.” – Hamlet
Quotes about Revenge in Hamlet
Hamlet is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare in the early 1600s. The play follows the story of Prince Hamlet, who seeks revenge on his uncle Claudius for murdering his father, King Hamlet. Throughout the play, there are numerous quotes that reference revenge and its consequences. Here are some of the most famous quotes about revenge from Hamlet:
“Revenge should have no bounds.” This quote is spoken by Laertes in Act IV, Scene V as he contemplates taking revenge against Hamlet for killing his father Polonius. Laertes recognizes that while revenge may be necessary, it should not be taken too far and become excessive.
“Neither a borrower nor a lender be; For loan oft loses both itself and friend, And borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry.” This quote is spoken by Polonius to Laertes in Act I, Scene III as he offers advice to his son. In this quote, Polonius warns Laertes against taking out loans or lending money as either can lead to strained relationships or financial difficulties. He also implies that if someone is looking for revenge, they should think twice before taking action.
“If you wrong us, shall we not revenge?” This quote is spoken by Queen Gertrude in Act III, Scene II as she defends her son’s right to take revenge against Claudius for murdering King Hamlet. Queen Gertrude acknowledges that while vengeance can often lead to more violence and destruction, it can also be necessary if someone has wronged another person or taken something away from them unjustly.
“Though this be madness yet there is method in’t.” This famous quote is spoken by Polonius in Act II, Scene II as he watches Prince Hamlet’s behavior and ponders whether there is any rhyme or reason behind it. In this quote, Polonius implies that although seeking revenge may seem like an act of insanity at first glance, there may actually be some logic behind it if one looks deep enough.
These quotes illustrate just how complex the issue of revenge can be and how even the wisest characters can struggle with deciding when and how to take action against their enemies. As these quotes demonstrate, revenge can often lead to more destruction than it resolves – but sometimes justice must be served no matter what the cost may be.
Quotes about Revenge in Hamlet
One of the most famous and oft-quoted plays of all time, William Shakespeare’s Hamlet is renowned for its exploration of the themes of revenge and justice. Throughout the play, the characters grapple with the morality of revenge, and how it often leads to tragedy. Here are some of the most memorable quotes about revenge from the play:
“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.” – Hamlet (Act V, Scene II). Here, Hamlet expresses his understanding that revenge is inevitable and that people must be prepared for when the time comes.
“Vengeance is mine; I will repay,” says The Lord (Romans 12:19). In this quote from Scripture, God reminds us that vengeance belongs to Him alone. He is the ultimate judge and jury when it comes to punishing wrongdoers.
“Revenge should have no bounds,” Claudius (Act IV, Scene VII). Though Claudius does not act on his own advice in this case, he does express a certain sentiment here—that there should be no limit to how far one should go in seeking vengeance.
“Revenge should know no bounds,” Laertes (Act IV, Scene VII). In this quote, Laertes echoes Claudius’ sentiment that revenge should have no limit. Laertes believes that he must take whatever steps necessary to avenge his father’s death.
“Action is eloquence,” Horatio (Act III, Scene II). Horatio believes that actions are more powerful than words when it comes to exacting revenge. He believes that taking action speaks louder than any words could ever do.
The Significance of Revenge Quotes from Hamlet
The tragedy of Hamlet, by William Shakespeare, is considered one of the most influential works of literature in history. The play follows the titular character, Prince Hamlet of Denmark, as he seeks revenge against his uncle Claudius for killing his father and usurping the throne. In the course of his revenge quest, Hamlet speaks several famous quotes about revenge that have become some of the most iconic lines in literature. These quotes provide insight into the complexities and motivations behind revenge, and offer a timeless examination of its consequences.
One of Hamlet’s most famous lines is “To be or not to be, that is the question.” This quote reflects on the dilemma faced by Hamlet as he struggles to decide whether or not to take revenge on Claudius. In this line, Hamlet contemplates whether it is nobler to suffer wrongs silently or to take action and risk facing even greater pain. This quote emphasizes how difficult it can be for someone to make a decision when they are faced with both good and bad options.
Another quote from Hamlet that speaks to the significance of revenge is “Revenge should have no bounds.” In this line, Hamlet expresses his belief that vengeance should be pursued without any limits or restrictions. This quote highlights how powerful emotions such as anger and hatred can drive people to do things they wouldn’t normally do if they weren’t so consumed with a desire for vengeance. It also emphasizes how easily an individual’s sense of morality can be forgotten when revenge takes precedence over reason.
Finally, another famous quote from Hamlet speaks to the futility and consequences associated with seeking vengeance: “For in that sleep of death what dreams may come.” Here, Hamlet laments how pursuing revenge may lead one towards their own destruction without offering any resolution or satisfaction. This line also serves as a warning against letting one’s emotions get out of hand in pursuit of retribution.
The quotes from William Shakespeare’s tragedy about Prince Hamlet offer timeless insights into the complexities and consequences associated with seeking vengeance. By examining these quotes in-depth, readers can gain an understanding about why people turn towards retribution and why it often brings more harm than good in the end.
Revenge Quotes from Hamlet
The play Hamlet is one of the most famous works of William Shakespeare and is full of many memorable quotes. One of the most prominent themes in Hamlet is revenge, and many of the quotes reflect this theme. Here are some of the most famous revenge quotes from the play:
“If you seek revenge, dig two graves.” This quote is often used to advise against seeking revenge, as it implies that taking revenge often harms both parties involved.
“To be, or not to be: that is the question: Whether ’tis nobler in the mind to suffer The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, Or to take arms against a sea of troubles, And by opposing end them? To die—to sleep No more; and by a sleep to say we end The heart-ache and the thousand natural shocks That flesh is heir to?” This quote has been interpreted in different ways, but it could be seen as an expression of Hamlet’s inner struggle between taking revenge or letting go.
“Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.” This quote from Romans 12:19 is often used to discourage people from taking revenge into their own hands.
“He that hath killed my king and whored my mother/ Popped in between th’ election and my hopes/Thrown out his angle for my proper life/And with such cozenage–is ‘t not perfect conscience/To quit him with this arm?” In this quote from Act III Scene III, Hamlet expresses his desire for vengeance against Claudius for killing his father and marrying his mother.
These are just a few examples of famous revenge quotes from Hamlet. Revenge plays an important role in shaping the story, and these quotes help explain why this theme has remained so powerful throughout literature.
Themes of Revenge in Hamlet’s Quotes
Hamlet is one of the most famous plays by William Shakespeare, and it revolves around themes of revenge. Throughout the play, Hamlet is driven by a desire for justice and retribution against his uncle Claudius, who murdered his father and usurped the throne. As such, many of Hamlet’s quotes reflect his quest for revenge and the moral complexities that accompany it.
One example of this is when Hamlet says, “Revenge should have no bounds” (Act 4, Scene 4). This quote highlights the difficulty of revenge: in seeking justice for his father’s death, Hamlet must decide how far he is willing to go in pursuit of it. He is caught between wanting to take revenge on Claudius and knowing that there will be consequences if he does so.
The idea that revenge should not be taken lightly is further emphasized in another quote from Hamlet: “The time is out of joint: O cursed spite,/ That ever I was born to set it right!” (Act 1, Scene 5). Here, Hamlet reflects on the burden he has been given in seeking revenge and acknowledges that it will require tremendous effort on his part. He realizes that taking revenge will require him to make difficult decisions and accept the consequences of his actions.
Furthermore, another quote from Hamlet suggests that revenge should not be taken too quickly or rashly: “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” (Act 5 Scene 2). In this quote, Hamletexplains that while taking revenge may eventually happen, one should not rush or take action too hastily. He cautions against acting rashly or without thinking things through first as these actions can lead to more harm than good.
In conclusion, many of Hamlet’s quotes reflect themes of revenge and highlight the moral complexities associated with taking retribution into one’s own hands. While seeking justice for wrongdoings may seem like a noble quest at first glance, these quotes remind us to think carefully before acting as there are often unintended consequences that come with taking vengeance into our own hands.
Examples of Revenge Quotes from Hamlet
Revenge is a major theme in William Shakespeare’s tragedy, Hamlet. It is an emotion that drives many of the characters to act in the play. Throughout the play, there are several quotes that show how revenge plays a role in the story. Here are some examples of revenge quotes from Hamlet:
“If you seek revenge, dig two graves.” This quote is a warning from Hamlet’s father’s ghost to his son. He is telling him that if he seeks revenge against his uncle Claudius, he should be prepared for the consequences of his actions.
“Revenge should have no bounds.” This quote comes from Laertes, Ophelia’s brother. He has been wronged by Hamlet and is determined to take his revenge on him. He believes that revenge should be unlimited and will go as far as it needs to go to get justice for himself and for his family.
“A villain kills my father and for that I am bound to do whatever I please.” These words come from Hamlet when he first learns of his father’s death and decides to take action against Claudius. He is determined to get revenge at any cost and will not let anyone stand in his way.
“I will do such things – what they are yet I know not – but they shall be the terrors of the earth.” These words come from Hamlet when he decides to take action against Claudius after learning of his treachery. He knows he must do something drastic and will stop at nothing to get what he wants.
These are just some examples of revenge quotes from Hamlet that show how important this theme is throughout the play. Revenge drives many of the characters’ actions and is a major part of the story overall.
Conclusion
The tragedy of Hamlet provides an acute insight into the complexity of human relationships and emotions, such as revenge. The quotes from Hamlet display the complexity of revenge and how it can often lead to further destruction and violence. This is a lesson that still resonates today, as we can see the consequences of revenge in many aspects of our society. Ultimately, it is important to take a step back and consider the cost of taking revenge before it is taken. The consequences can be far-reaching, and far more destructive than we initially anticipate.
The idea behind the concept of revenge is one that has been present in literature for centuries. In Hamlet, this idea is explored in great detail, providing us with valuable lessons about its implications in our lives. From these quotes from Hamlet, it is clear that revenge can be an all-consuming force if not handled with caution. We should take time to think before we act in order to avoid unnecessary destruction and violence as a result of taking revenge.