Even before the ghost urges Hamlet to avenge his death, Hamlet teeters on the edge of his uncle's brutal world. Whilst never evil in intent Hamlet is simply one of the finest tragic heroes. Caught between his agony of mind and indecision Hamlet's nature is neither treacherous like Claudius' nor rash like Laertes'. This combination of values carries only tragedy when one such as Hamlet suffers such a fate as he did. Prior to his dead father's prompting, Hamlet is already devoured by melancholy over the loss of Old Hamlet and his mother's "o'er hasty" marriage to Claudius. This suggests that Hamlet was already inexorably linked to his Uncle's brutal world.

"It is not, nor it cannot come to good.

I, his sole son, do this same villain send

However, as the ripples of revenge spread Hamlet rashly kills a hidden Polonius whilst in a rage, believing him to be Claudius. When his error is revealed Hamlet's sorrow is evident, even though this was a man he did not trust or like. Hamlet is shocked that this "intruding fool" should have come to such an end by his hand. Hamlet is excused for this murder , it being done so passionately, however the two that follow it are so treacherous and cold it seems Hamlet has lost his former compassion and truly begun to act willingly in the brutal world that surrounds him. These two murders are of those who would be murderers themselves; Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. On their way to England, carrying letters from the King which include Hamlet's death warrant, Hamlet displays a villainous cunning matching that of his uncle. Whilst his old school friends sleep Hamlet switches the original letters with counterfeits and escapes back to Denmark. When Rosencrantz and Guildenstern arrive in England they hand over their own death warrants. This act is one of the most interesting as it portrays Hamlet as being without conscience or guilt, traits I which would be more typical of Claudius.

Hamlet's relationships with the other characters in the play demonstrate how he begins to act differently as he goes deeper into his uncle's world. His relationships with Claudius, Gertrude and Ophelia are all markedly different but all show symptoms of Hamlet himself becoming an unwilling part of Denmark's doom.

After Hamlet's entrance into his uncle's world, Ophelia becomes an unknowing pawn to aid Claudius and Polonius, who are under the false impression that Ophelia is the source of his madness. In Act Three Scene One Ophelia is set up to meet with Hamlet so Polonius and Claudius may observe. When Hamlet realises he is being watched he assumes Ophelia has betrayed him and is part of the scheme. He proceeds to abuse her physically and mentally under the act of feigned madness, causing her great confusion and angst. Hamlet urges her "get thee to a nunnery" for he wishes her not to be corrupted as his mother is and spawn something evil, such as he himself. His soliloquised line spoken just before their meeting

This jealousy and hatred Hamlet feels is close to pushing him over the edge, so when the Ghost commands revenge Hamlet has already positioned himself at the starting line ready to begin his descent into Denmark's brutal court.

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Approximate Word count = 2459
Approximate Pages = 10 (250 words per page double spaced)