External and Internal Conflict in Hamlet Essay Sample

There are many conflicts turning points in Hamlet’s play. Although there are several conflicts within Acts I, II, and II the primary conflict is the Mousetrap play scene when Claudius’s conscience concerning the murder of King Hamlet is confirmed. The Second conflict is the prayer scene when Hamlet passes by the opportunity to kill Claudius. In the Closet scene where we see the climax when Hamlet first acts but kills Polonius's mistake ably. In the Mousetrap play, Hamlet rescripts the play of The Murder of Gonzago, by complementing a scene that hints at the murder of King Hamlet.  Claudius reacts to the complementing scene by making an unexpected departure. This reveals to Hamlet that the Ghost’s story is true. Hamlet witnesses Claudius’ reaction. Now that Hamlet knows the murderous sin Claudius has committed, Hamlet feels no guilt in avenging his father’s death. During the prayer scene, Hamlet misses the best opportunity to kill Claudius and seek revenge for his father’s death. With no guards around, Claudius is alone, but he is unconscious that Hamlet is waiting in the shadows. The scene is set for Hamlet to take retribution for his father’s moving spirit. Nevertheless, Hamlet does not kill Claudius, because Claudius is repenting for his sins. Permitting him to go to heaven when he is to die. In the closet scene Hamlet accidentally kills Polonius because he thought that he was Claudius, listening in on his and mother's private conversation behind the curtain. When accidentally killing Polonius Hamlet says these words “I do repent but heaven hath pleased it so, to punish me with this and this with me, That I must be their scourge and minister. I will bestow him and will answer well The death I gave him. So, again, good night”. (Shakespeare scene IV act III). During this confrontation, hamlet thought Claudius was behind the curtain. The closet scene is the climax of the Hamlet play. It shows that the main goal of Hamlet is to kill Claudius manifested to the opponent in the play. Also, it shows the love of King Hamlet towards his wife even though she gets married to Claudius after his death.

The primary conflict is the Mousetrap play scene when Claudius’s conscience concerning the murder of King Hamlet is confirmed. This reveals to Hamlet that the Ghost’s story is true. In the Closet scene where we see the climax when Hamlet first acts but kills Polonius's mistake ably. Polonius’s death is the first time that Hamlet acts without overthinking. Hamlet does not delay his decision he just kills Polonius. Feeling no guilt or no remorse for it shows how evil-minded Hamlet has become. After the killing Hamlet turns on his mother, attacking her for marrying Claudius so soon after her husband's death. Hamlet threatens his mother by telling her he knows Claudius is planning an attack on him. Father the Ghost of Hamlets appears when Helmet is screaming at his mom saying “Do not forget this visitation Is but to whet thy almost blunted purpose. But, look, amazement on thy mother sits O, step between her and her fighting soul

Conceit in weakest bodies strongest works Speake to her, Hamlet”. (Shakespeare Scene IV act III). There was no satisfaction in the conflict which makes it incomplete because Hamlet did not kill Claudius yet inside, he accidentally kills Polonius. In Acts 4 and 5 Hamlet and Laertes fight in Ophelia's grave which shows the falling action has been reached between Hamlet and Laertes for both are trying to avenge their father’s death. All this anger in Hamlet's life has reached the point of no return and the fight between him and Laertes has made him frustrated.

In conclusion conflicts and climax played a significant role in them Hamlet’s play. Revenge is an action taken in return for an injury. In the play Hamlet, Shakespeare deeply explores the conflicts of revenge. In the play, before the ghost reveals itself to those sentinels, Hamlet seems inactive. The knowledge of betrayal fills him with actions. Hamlet gains a completely new way to channel his earlier disgust and mourning. Revengefulness can also have a consoling end. But it is Hamlet in whom revenge works out in an entirely different way. He can’t simply kill Claudius without questioning the morals of the time and place. Hamlet didn’t kill Claudius when he saw him in a praying position. Revenge and its various implications are one of the prime thematic concerns of the whole play.