Question

Regardless of how justified one might believe he is in seeking revenge, it is important to remember that life is not a game and simply getting even does not mean the battle is won. It just means one's self-respect has been lost.
How does this statement relate to Hamlet?

Answer 1

Answer and Explanation:

Hamlet is enticed by the ghost of his father to seek revenge for his death. This is the apparent initial motivation of the character in the play. However, Hamlet gets lost on his way to pursue it. Revenge is not the right type of motivation to act on, nor is it enough. It is not what will bring him happiness, not what will make him feel victorious. It is interesting to note that he does kill Claudius to avenge his father in the end, but the gruesome narrative that takes place until this moment is a miserable, true failure. Just like the statement affirms, life is not a game, and revenge is not winning. Those who seek it, like Hamlet, are lost.