Act 1 Hamlet Analysis

Family is a community built on common relations such as blood or last names. Meant to support and comfort, they aid during times of trouble. There is a strong connection between family members, even more so than that of friends or other relationships on this earth. Even though family is thought to be loving and compassionate, the lust for power is stronger than family ties. This central idea can be clearly seen through William Shakespeare’s play Hamlet, especially in the pages of Act 1 Scene 5.

A brotherly bond is one of the strongest connections two people can have. Brothers are your first friends, playmates, counselors, and murderers, or at least in the case of King Hamlet. “The serpent that did sting thy father’s life now wears his crown.” This is revealed in Act 1, Scene 5 by Old Hamlet’s ghost to his son. Claudius, the new King of Denmark, and Old Hamlet’s brother, killed Hamlet’s father to become King. Although this connection can be clearly seen, another occurs during the same scene.

Gertrude, the Queen of Denmark was married to Old Hamlet, and yet within a month of her loving husband’s death married Claudius, his brother. “…the bed of Denmark be a couch for luxury and damned incest.” The connection between husband and wife is very strong as they essentially become one. Her actions demonstrate that her lust to have a king and ultimately more power was stronger than whatever she had with Old Hamlet.

Hamlet, the character for whom the play is named also exemplifies the theme. “…the thoughts of love may sweep to my revenge.” He will avenge his father by killing his uncle/dad. This action will also make him King thus giving him power. Nothing else will be on his mind as he focuses on his mission: to kill his uncle.

The actions of these characters demonstrate that family is put aside when power is concerned. Ambition supersedes love.