Letter From Hamlet To King Claudius example essay topic

Hamlet and the Dramatic Purpose of Letters Shakespeare uses letters as important vehicles in the play Hamlet. Each letter has a dramatic purpose. A letter instructing a murder, a letter one revealed as escape and then a letter to announce Hamlet's return to Denmark - all of these letters Shakespeare uses dramatic purpose to apply the use of a scene or speech to fulfill an objective. Claudius informs Hamlet that he must go to England for his own safety, "Hamlet, this deed, for thine especial safety", (4, 3, 41). This is because Hamlet has just informed Claudius about his recent murder of Polonius.

Hamlet believes this and in fear of his own safety, decides that he must go. Once Claudius is alone he reveals his plan to send the King of England a letter containing instructions to kill Hamlet as soon as he reaches England, "By letters conjuring to that effect, the present death of Hamlet. Do it, England", (4, 3, 65-66). Shortly after the letter is sent Hamlet will figure out what Claudius is trying to do. The dramatic purpose of this scene is the revelation of opposition to and important character. Already we know that Hamlet wants Claudius dead but now we know that Claudius wants Hamlet dead also.

Sailors give Horatio letters from Hamlet and he writes of news that two pirate ships have attacked his own ship bound for England. Hamlet was taken aboard one of the pirate ships as a prisoner and luckily, the pirates have been merciful towards him and helped him return to Elsinore. Hamlet writes that Horatio must deliver the other letter to the King and then immediately come to meet him without further delay, "Let the King have the letters I sent; and repair thou to me with as much speed as thou woulds't fly death". (4, 6, 21-22) Horatio asks the sailors to direct him to Hamlet's refuge and promises to reward them for their labour. The dramatic purpose of this letter is it advances the plot by giving pace and movement to the action. The arrival of the sailors with the news that Hamlet has returned to Denmark indicates that the final climax of the action is close to come.

The Prince will be surprised, to learn that much has occurred since his departure, for example the return of Laertes to avenge his father's death. Act 4 Scene 7 has the presence of another letter. Claudius has successfully convinced Laertes that he did not murder Polonius. He tells Laertes that Hamlet not only killed Polonius, but tried to kill him as well.

A messenger arrives with a letter from Hamlet for the King. Hamlet's letter to the King simply announces that he has returned to Denmark and will call on the King the next morning, "High and Mighty, You shall know, I am set naked on your kingdom. To-morrow shall I beg leave to see your kingly eyes". (4, 7, 45-46). This provokes King Claudius for the later incident in the plot of killing Hamlet.

The King is understandably shocked and Laertes is eager to get his chance for revenge. Claudius is terrified to learn that Hamlet has escaped from England and returned to Elsinore. Knowing that the Queen and the Danish people love Hamlet, he does not want to murder the Prince himself; therefore, he manipulates Laertes into a plan for killing Hamlet. The King proceeds to develop a plan for Hamlet's death, making it appear to be an accident. There will be a fencing match between Laertes and the Prince with the exception of Laertes' blade will be uncovered, allowing him to kill Hamlet. Laertes not only agrees to the King's plan, he also goes a step further.

He decides to smear the tip of his foil with deadly poison so that even if he only scratches Hamlet, his death will be certain. Claudius suggests yet another plan in case Laertes fails to wound Hamlet, and he decides he will poison a cup of wine for Hamlet to drink. Claudius sends a letter to the King of England instructing him to kill Hamlet; this proves the revelation of Claudius' opposition to Hamlet. Sailors have brought a letter from Hamlet to Horatio and this advances the plot by speeding up and indicating that the final climax of the action is not too far ahead. Finally a letter from Hamlet to King Claudius is delivered announcing his return to Denmark, with this it motivates Claudius for the later incident of manipulating Laertes into a plan where the two of them would make sure Hamlet would be killed. Each serves a different dramatic purpose and each is an important vehicle in the play.