Question

Hamlet is often called a tragic hero who is torn between thought and action. Why does he not kill Claudius when he sees him in Act III, scene iii? Why does he kill Polonius in Act III, scene iv? How do these two actions affect your understanding of Hamlet as a man of thought or a man of action? Your answer should be at least 250 words.

Answer 1

Why does he not kill Claudius when he sees him in Act III, scene iii?

Hamlet decided not to kill Claudius because  he believes that Claudius' soul will go to heaven. Hamlet knew his father didn't had the chance to repent of his sins so sending Claudiu's to heaven wouldn't be a fair revenge for him.

Why does he kill Polonius in Act III, scene iv?

Hamlet believed that Claudius was behind the arras and stabbed him with a sword. Unfortunately, Polonius was the spy.

How do these two actions affect your understanding of Hamlet as a man of thought or a man of action?

Hamlet made mistaken choices. He obsessed by existencial questions like if it is worth living, if he should commit suicide or kill his uncle. He was a man of though and action in my opinion. Trying to revenge his father committed a lot of mistakes which makes me think he got mad not knowing what to really do.