Hamlet - a Great King

There are many words that come to mind when describing a king. Some words may be intelligent, rational, just, trustworthy, wit, and honorable. The duty of a king is to stand up for the country by making the best decisions possible. A country can not be strong without a strong king. These traits are especially needed for a king in the play Hamlet, by William Shakespeare. When examining the actions of Hamlet despite his dreadful situations, it is apparent that he would make a great king.

In the beginning of the play Hamlet longs to return back to Wittenberg to finish his schooling. Being a scholar at Wittenberg gives him a rational and thoughtful attitude, which plays a major role throughout the whole play. He questions things from the very beginning when he asks Horatio why he has come. Horatio answers that he has come for Hamlet's father's funeral, but Hamlet says in reply "I prithee, do not mock me, fellow student, I think it was to see my mother's wedding." (Shakespeare, Act 1, Sc 2, ll. 177-178). Hamlet questions his mother's actions as queen because he believes she is marrying to soon. He knows this marriage is not bringing honor to his family. Honor is held high to Hamlet, so he does not understand his mother's poor decisions. Since Hamlet can analyze the decisions made around him for how they affect others, he would be suitable to govern.

Hamlet learns that a ghost appeared to Horatio that may be his father. Later Hamlet comes in contact with the ghost. The ghost appears to him as Old Hamlet, revealing that he was murdered by Claudius, Hamlet's uncle and the new king. He asks Hamlet to avenge his death. At one point Hamlets questions this new information, "The spirit that I have seen May be the devil; and the devil hath power T' assume a pleasing shape; yea, and perhaps Out of my weakness and my melancholy, As he is very potent with such spirits, Abuses me to damn me."(Act 2, Sc 2, ll. 615-620). This suggests that he does not fully believe the ghost even though it may look like his father, he wants to prove it for himself. This situation indicates that Hamlet thinks for himself and searches for the truth before he reacts.

To prove the ghost to be truthful Hamlets produces a play called "The Mousetrap". Hamlet says, "The plays the thing wherein I'll catch the conscience of the king" (Act 2, Sc 2, ll. 621-622). The play is a reenactment of Claudius killing Old Hamlet. Hamlet knows that if Claudius really killed his father that during the play he will appear troubled to see Hamlet knows the truth. The play displays how Hamlet uses his intelligence and wit to disguise his plan to uncover Claudius as a mere play. Although Hamlet is clever he is aware that he has weaknesses. He recognizes his emotions towards his father death as a weakness that could obstruct his judgment of Claudius actions,