is revenge by devising a plan to provide evidence of King Claudius’ guilt. Hamlet took advantage of his position at the local theater by instructing his actors to perform a play, which reenacts a murder similar to his father’s. Then based on Claudius’ response to the play, Hamlet could conclude his guilt or innocence. Hamlet says, “I’ll have these players play something like the murder of my father before mine uncle. I’ll observe his looks, I’ll tent him to the quick” (II.ii.607-609). After seeing Claudius’ response to the play, Hamlet affirms the King’s guilt and proceeds with his plan to kill him. Hamlet had a stronger conscience than Fortinbras or Laertes, therefore, he gave the most thought to his strategy of revenge. Even after Hamlet decides to kill Claudius, he continues to question how his revenge will affect himself, as well as, the King. In Hamlet’s “to be, or not to be” soliloquy, he says, “Thus conscience does make cowards of us all” (III.i.83). By conscience, Hamlet is referring to looking into his mind and feelings. Hamlet is saying his conscience is in turmoil; his world is falling apart. Although he fears the consequences of murdering Claudius it seems like he feels obligated by guilt to continue with his plan. Because of the responsibility his father placed upon him, Hamlet is overcome with rage. Now, he not only wants to kill Claudius, but he wants to ensure that Claudius will go to hell when he is killed. In a vain attempt to slay King Claudius Hamlet inadvertently kills Polonius. Even after all the careful consideration Hamlet gave to planning his revenge he makes that deadly mistake. Laertes puts the least amount of thought into his revenge and is the most easily influenced of the three sons. He confronts Claudius at once after hearing about his father, Polonius’, death. Claudius tells Laertes Hamlet slew his father. Laer...
