tant to kill, because he fears he will send Claudius “to heaven.” This moral anguish which moral responsibility brings is responsible for Hamlet’s long hesitation to act upon his father’s death. Eventually, though, he does deal with this moral anguish by avenging his father’s death and killing Claudius, as his sense of vengeance fortifies him. This capacity to deal with moral anguish is also prevalent at the end of the play, when both Hamlet and Laertes are dying and ask for forgiveness. Although, both Hamlet and Laertes have succumbed to the medieval ideal of a blood feud instead of mercy, Laertes pleads with Hamlet to “Exchange forgiveness with me, noble Hamlet,” so that both may be resolved of their sins and ascend to heaven. Hamlet concurs, still acknowledging his Christian ideals. Hamlet shows a wonderful capacity to deal with moral anguish from moral responsibility, an important theme in Hamlet, which helps create the play as one of the greatest pieces of literature ever written.Helen Gardner is correct in her statement that the reason Hamlet is such a great piece of literature, especially when compared to other tragedies, is because of the nobility of Hamlet, his insight and reflection on his situation, and Hamlet’s ability to deal with his moral anguish. Shakespeare creates the elaborate character of Hamlet and the many aspects of his character not only through Hamlet’s actions, but more importantly through his soliloquies. Hamlet has secured its place in literature as one of the greatest plays ever, because of Shakespeare’s complicated and intriguing character, Hamlet....
