The Idea of Nemesis and Revenge in Hamlet- Assignment 1

     As we know from reading Act-1 of Shakespeare's Hamlet, revenge and nemesis are major components to the plot line.  Nemesis refers to the more common saying, "what goes around comes around," because justice always prevails! Hamlet is trying to make this justice happen by giving his uncle what he deserves for killing his father, marrying his mother, and taking over as the new King of Denmark.  

     The aspect of revenge did not take a role in the play until half way through the Act-1 when Hamlet's dead father tells him to, "revenge his foul and most unnatural murder" (I. v. 20-26).  This point of the play is where revenge and the idea of nemesis begins.  In this section we learn about Uncle Claudius and how he murdered the previous king with a kind of poison. 

     Within the next few acts or by the end of the book, I am sure we will see how Claudius will receive his just desserts from Hamlet.  He can be described as,

           

                    "that incestuous, that adulterate beast,

                    With witchcraft of his wits, with traitorous

                    gifts-

                    O wicked wit and gifts that have the power

                    So to seduce!"

                     (I. v. 40-45)

       With all of these wicked traits, Claudius will be sure to experience justice.

Works Cited

Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. William Shakespeare The Complete Works.                             Great Britain- Collins Clear-Type Press, 1962. Print.