QUESTION 10: HAMLET – ESSAY QUESTION There are two sides to Claudius: the skilled

statesman and the cowardly, treacherous villain. Critically discuss the extent to
which you agree with this statement. Your response should take the form of a well-
constructed essay of 400–450 words (2–21⁄2 pages).

William Shakespeare’s Hamlet presents Claudius as a complex and multi-faceted

character. On one hand, he is a capable and diplomatic ruler who brings stability to
Denmark after the sudden death of King Hamlet. On the other, he is a morally corrupt
villain whose cowardice and treachery drive much of the tragedy. This duality lies at the
heart of Claudius’s character, and examining both aspects reveals how Shakespeare
constructs him not merely as a stock antagonist, but as a deeply human and
psychologically rich figure.

As a statesman, Claudius demonstrates political skill, charm, and pragmatism. He quickly

consolidates power after King Hamlet’s death, marrying Queen Gertrude to reinforce his
legitimacy and pacify the court. His opening speech in Act I, Scene II is a masterclass in
statecraft, balancing grief and celebration while projecting control and confidence. He is
diplomatic in his dealings with foreign affairs, particularly in resolving the conflict with
Norway through letters and negotiation, rather than warfare. Claudius’s management of
internal affairs, including his calm handling of Hamlet’s erratic behavior, also reflects
political acumen. This dimension of his character paints him as an effective and intelligent
ruler—someone capable of leadership and public reassurance.

However, beneath this polished exterior lies a cowardly and treacherous villain. Claudius’s
ascension to the throne is built on fratricide—he murders his own brother in secret, driven
by ambition and desire. Unlike classical villains who embrace evil openly, Claudius is
wracked by guilt. His soliloquy in Act III, Scene III (“O, my offence is rank”) reveals a man
tormented by conscience, yet unwilling to repent sincerely. He desires the rewards of his
crime without accepting its moral consequences. His cowardice is further shown by his
indirect approach to eliminating Hamlet. Rather than face him directly, he schemes to
have Hamlet killed in England or poisoned during a fencing match. These acts are not only
villainous but also marked by a fearful avoidance of personal confrontation.

Claudius’s complexity is what makes him so compelling. He is not a one-dimensional

villain; rather, he embodies the tension between political order and moral corruption.
Shakespeare uses this duality to explore broader themes of legitimacy, guilt, and the
fragility of power. While Claudius’s effectiveness as a ruler may earn some admiration, it
cannot redeem the treachery at his core. His cowardice in facing his sins ultimately leads
to his downfall and the collapse of the Danish court.
In conclusion, Claudius is indeed both a skilled statesman and a cowardly, treacherous
villain. Shakespeare masterfully weaves these aspects together to create a character who
embodies the tragic contradictions of human nature.

QUESTION 10: HAMLET – ESSAY QUESTION Many characters in Hamlet reveal that the
issue of morality, or lack thereof, can have tragic consequences for self and others.
Critically discuss the extent to which you agree with this statement. Your response
should take the form of a well-constructed essay of about 400–450 words (2–21⁄2)
pages.

William Shakespeare’s Hamlet is a profound exploration of human morality and the

devastating effects that arise when ethical boundaries are crossed. Throughout the play,
various characters struggle with moral choices or abandon moral values entirely. These
internal and external conflicts lead not only to personal destruction but also to the
downfall of others. The tragedy of Hamlet is, in large part, driven by the moral failures of its
characters, showing that when conscience is ignored or distorted, chaos and death
inevitably follow.

At the center of the play is Prince Hamlet himself, whose moral dilemma lies in his struggle
to avenge his father’s murder without compromising his own values. Hamlet’s inaction is
not due to cowardice, but rather a deep moral hesitation. He is repulsed by the idea of
killing Claudius without just cause or clear proof. His famous soliloquies—particularly “To
be or not to be”—reveal his inner conflict between action and morality. However, as the
play progresses, Hamlet's moral clarity becomes increasingly blurred. His decision to kill
Polonius, thinking he is Claudius, is impulsive and morally questionable. This action leads
directly to Ophelia’s descent into madness and Laertes’s thirst for revenge, setting off a
chain of tragic events.

Claudius, in contrast, represents the complete abandonment of morality. His decision to

murder his own brother for the throne and queen is a calculated and selfish act, showing a
man who places ambition above all ethical considerations. Though Claudius shows some
remorse in his soliloquy (“O, my offence is rank”), he is ultimately unwilling to give up the
fruits of his crime. His attempts to kill Hamlet—through exile, poisoning, and
manipulation—further underline his corrupt nature. Claudius's moral decay infects the
Danish court and leads to the destruction of nearly every major character, including
himself.
Other characters also face moral choices with tragic consequences. Gertrude’s hasty
marriage to Claudius raises questions about her loyalty and judgment, and though her guilt
is ambiguous, her passivity contributes to the tragedy. Laertes, initially honorable, allows
his desire for revenge to cloud his ethics, agreeing to a treacherous plan to kill Hamlet
dishonestly. Even Ophelia, caught between obedience to her father and love for Hamlet,
suffers emotionally and ultimately dies, arguably as a victim of the moral failures around
her.

In conclusion, Hamlet powerfully illustrates that when morality is compromised—whether

through hesitation, ambition, or blind obedience—the results are tragic. Shakespeare
suggests that ethical integrity is essential not only for individual salvation but for the well-
being of society. The play remains a timeless warning of the destructive power of moral
failure.

QUESTION 12: HAMLET ─ ESSAY QUESTION The desire for justice motivates the
actions of Hamlet and other characters. Critically discuss the extent to which you
agree with this statement. Your essay should take the form of a well-constructed
essay of 400–450 words (2–21⁄2 pages).

In William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the desire for justice is a powerful force that drives the
actions of several key characters. Although justice initially appears to be a noble pursuit,
Shakespeare reveals how the obsessive need to right perceived wrongs often leads to
tragedy and moral compromise. Hamlet, Laertes, and Fortinbras are each motivated by a
sense of duty to avenge their fathers, but their approaches differ greatly, highlighting the
complexities of justice in a corrupt world.

Hamlet’s journey begins when the Ghost of his father demands that he avenge his “foul
and most unnatural murder.” Hamlet, horrified by the crime, swears to “sweep to [his]
revenge” with urgency and resolve. His desire for justice is sincere, rooted in love and
loyalty to his father. However, Hamlet’s strong moral and philosophical nature causes him
to hesitate. He is deeply aware of the consequences of taking a life and constantly
questions the righteousness of revenge. This moral struggle delays his actions and
contributes to a chain of tragic events, including the deaths of Polonius, Ophelia, Laertes,
Gertrude, and eventually himself. Hamlet’s quest for justice becomes increasingly
entangled with personal anger, disillusionment, and existential dread, showing how the
pursuit of justice, when clouded by inner conflict, can result in chaos rather than
resolution.
Laertes, in contrast, reacts swiftly and passionately to the death of his father, Polonius.
Unlike Hamlet, Laertes does not hesitate or philosophize; instead, he returns to Denmark
ready to take immediate revenge. His desire for justice is understandable, yet he allows it
to be manipulated by Claudius, who fuels Laertes’ anger to serve his own ends. Laertes
even agrees to a dishonorable plan to kill Hamlet using a poisoned sword. In this way, his
pursuit of justice becomes an act of vengeance stripped of moral integrity. However, as he
lies dying, Laertes repents and forgives Hamlet, acknowledging that their shared thirst for
revenge has destroyed them both. His final moments serve as a tragic reminder of how the
desire for justice, when tainted by rage and manipulation, can lead to one’s own downfall.

Fortinbras serves as a foil to both Hamlet and Laertes. Like them, he seeks to honor his
father, who died in battle against King Hamlet. However, Fortinbras acts with discipline
and political wisdom. He redirects his desire for justice into statecraft, ultimately gaining
control of Denmark. Fortinbras’s measured approach suggests that justice, when guided
by reason and honor, can lead to stability rather than destruction.

In conclusion, Shakespeare presents the desire for justice as a central motivation in

Hamlet but also warns that when justice is pursued without wisdom or moral clarity, it can
result in tragic consequences. The play reveals that true justice is difficult to achieve in a
world corrupted by power, emotion, and deceit.

QUESTION 10: HAMLET – ESSAY QUESTION. Gertrude and Ophelia’s passivity makes
them vulnerable to exploitation and manipulation. Critically discuss the extent to
which you agree with the above statement. Your response should take the form of a
well-constructed essay of 400–450 words (2–2½ pages). [25 marks]

In Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the passivity of Gertrude and Ophelia plays a major role in their
downfall, as it leaves them vulnerable to manipulation and exploitation by the powerful
men around them. Both women are portrayed as submissive and emotionally dependent,
which prevents them from standing up for themselves or making independent decisions.
Their passive nature does not protect them—it exposes them to harm, betrayal, and
ultimately, tragic endings.

Ophelia is perhaps the clearest example of how passivity leads to exploitation. As a young
woman in a patriarchal society, she obeys the men in her life without question. Her father,
Polonius, and her brother, Laertes, warn her about Hamlet and instruct her to stay away
from him. Instead of asserting her feelings, Ophelia listens to them. Later, Polonius even
uses her as bait to spy on Hamlet, and she allows herself to be used in this way. When
Hamlet realizes that she is part of the plan, he feels betrayed and cruelly rejects her,
saying, “Get thee to a nunnery.” This moment is devastating for Ophelia, who is caught
between her loyalty to her father and her love for Hamlet. She internalizes this emotional
conflict, and after Polonius’s death and Hamlet’s rejection, she descends into madness.
Her tragic end—drowning, possibly by suicide—shows how her passivity and lack of
control over her own life ultimately destroy her.

Gertrude, Hamlet’s mother, also displays passivity, especially in her relationship with
Claudius. After King Hamlet’s death, she quickly marries Claudius, a decision that deeply
upsets Hamlet. Throughout the play, Gertrude shows little awareness of Claudius’s true
nature or role in her former husband’s murder. She rarely questions him and seems more
concerned with keeping peace in the royal court than seeking the truth. Claudius
manipulates her trust to strengthen his position as king. Even when Hamlet confronts her
in the famous “closet scene,” she seems confused and unwilling to accept the full truth.
Her passivity reaches a tragic end in the final act, when she unknowingly drinks poisoned
wine meant for Hamlet. Her death is symbolic of how her silence and submission allowed
evil to flourish around her.

In conclusion, both Ophelia and Gertrude are vulnerable not because they are weak
characters, but because their passivity makes them easy to manipulate. They are not given
the space to think or act for themselves, and their loyalty to the men around them leads to
their exploitation and eventual deaths. Shakespeare uses their stories to highlight the
dangers of being silent and obedient in a corrupt and violent world.

Question 10 (Hamlet – Essay Question): “In Hamlet, the role of women contributes to
the development of the attitude and actions of the main character.” Critically discuss
the validity of the above statement with reference to the play. Your response should
take the form of a well-constructed essay of 400–450 words.

In William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the portrayal of women significantly influences the main
character’s thoughts, decisions, and emotional state. Through the characters of Gertrude
and Ophelia, Shakespeare reveals Hamlet’s deep mistrust of women, his moral confusion,
and the impact of betrayal on his actions. Therefore, the role of women is central to
Hamlet’s development throughout the play.
Gertrude’s marriage to Claudius contributes to Hamlet’s anger, sense of betrayal, and
distrust of women. Shortly after his father’s death, Gertrude marries Claudius, Hamlet’s
uncle. Hamlet sees this as a moral failure and feels disgusted, stating, “Frailty, thy name is
woman.” Gertrude’s quick remarriage shakes Hamlet’s trust in women. He sees her
actions as weak and dishonorable, which leads him to generalise this weakness to all
women. This belief drives much of his bitterness and his harsh behaviour, especially
toward Ophelia. Thus, Gertrude’s actions strongly influence Hamlet’s attitude, planting
the seeds of mistrust and emotional instability that shape his behaviour in the play.

Ophelia’s obedience to her father and brother causes Hamlet to feel betrayed and
deepens his sense of isolation. Polonius and Laertes both warn Ophelia against Hamlet.
Later, Polonius uses Ophelia to spy on him. Hamlet feels manipulated, especially during
the “get thee to a nunnery” scene. Hamlet believes Ophelia has sided with his enemies.
Her rejection and involvement in the spying incident cause him to lash out cruelly. His
anger towards her is less about love lost and more about the betrayal he feels, similar to
what he felt from Gertrude. Ophelia’s role reinforces Hamlet’s growing mistrust and sense
of betrayal, which fuels his inner conflict and erratic behaviour.

The tragic fates of both women intensify Hamlet’s emotional turmoil and guilt. Ophelia’s
madness and death are a result of the pressures placed on her and Hamlet’s harsh
treatment. Gertrude’s accidental poisoning in the final scene adds to the tragic loss. These
events leave Hamlet devastated. His deep grief at Ophelia’s funeral and his final moments
with Gertrude show that, despite his anger, he loved and cared for them. The deaths of
Gertrude and Ophelia highlight the emotional consequences of Hamlet’s actions and push
him toward his own tragic end.

In conclusion, the roles of Gertrude and Ophelia are crucial to Hamlet’s development.
Their actions influence his thoughts, fuel his emotional struggles, and shape many of the
choices he makes throughout the play. Shakespeare uses these women not just to reflect
Hamlet’s state of mind, but to drive the tragedy forward.