t, and not have a hasty, emotionally basedreaction. Another main reason for Hamlet's delay once again has to do with his moralsand idealism. Because he possesses such a strong mind, he can find manypossible causes and effects for everyday affairs. When dealing with affairs farfrom ordinary, such as his father's murder, "... the native hue of resolution issicklied o'er with the pale cast of thought..." (Act III sc i). I suggest also that perhaps Hamlet is not able to truly understand people's evilmotives, due to his own idealistic nature. It would follow, then, that he wouldhave great difficulty in committing an act of such brutal violence himself. Theaction which Hamlet has been commanded by the ghost to undertake goesagainst Hamlet in a very basic, fundamental way. "The fact that Hamlet is athinking as well as a feeling person, conscious of the good and bad points inevery step he takes, makes the act of revenge particularly painful for him.Revenge is not Christian, and Hamlet is a Christian Prince; it is not rational, andHamlet is a philosopher; it is not gentle, and Hamlet is a gentlemen" (Baron'sBook Notes). In the end, however, it is not Hamlet's sense of right and wrong that charges himto vengeance; rather, his uncle's death occurs in a heat of passion. While hedoes recognize that murder is a major sin, he also knows that he must avengehis father's death - he could not continue to live knowing that he was not able toput his father's soul to rest: "My thoughts be bloody or be nothing worth" (Act IVsc IV). In fact, near the very end of the play, he does cast off all doubt as to his courseof action, saying that "There is a special providence in the fall of a sparrow" (ActV sc ii). Thus, he has adopted a fatalistic viewpoint which he believes is "right"(and which keeps with the idealistic theory) and promises to himself not to let hisdecision waver. In conclusion, I believe it is easily seen how Hamlet's idealism causes greatproblems f...
