Hamlet and Horatio Essay - 2353 Words

Hamlet and Horatio When reading Shakespeares Hamlet, one becomes involved with a number of relationships involving Hamlet (the tragic protagonist) and the main characters supporting the play. The characters involved include, but are not limited to, Hamlet (the ghost), former King of Denmark and deceased father to the protagonist; Horatio, friend to Hamlet; Gertrude, Queen of Denmark and mother to Hamlet; and Ophelia, daughter of Polonius and romantic interest to Hamlet. Although all of the relationships are complex, encompassing a wide range of varying emotions as the plot advances, there is a recurring theme of love threaded throughout the play. This theme of love takes on a number of faces which we may observe through the†¦show more content†¦Hamlets emotions are so varying that at times one questions whether or not Hamlet really feels love for either Gertrude or Ophelia. Unlike these relationships-which experience constant changes and re-evaluations by Hamlet-the love for Horatio seems to b e continual, and never seems to come into question. In Act I, Scene II, one is first made aware of the strength of Hamlets relationship with Horatio when the latter informs Hamlet that he has seen what he believes is the ghost of the former King Hamlet. This introduction to the relationship between Horatio and Hamlet demonstrates the strong bonds of trust and confidence they share. Unlike the other characters who have seen the apparition and would choose to shrink away from it, Horatio, recognizing the ghost for who it might be, tries to make contact with it, albeit unsuccessfully. After this initial contact, and recognizing the significance of what he has witnessed, it is Horatio that takes Hamlet into his confidence to relate what he has seen. As I do live, my honored lord, tis true, / And we did think it writ down in our duty / To let you know of it (1.2. 220-222). Horatio gives Hamlet a very detailed account of the sighting, answering Hamlets questions with the honesty and insight of a concerned friend. It is obvious by Hor atios candor that he is neither fearful of Hamlets response, nor is he concerned that Hamlet will not believe his accounting of the event. Horatio-unlikeShow MoreRelated Hamlet and Horatio Essay3402 Words   |  14 PagesHamlet and Horatio      Ã‚   Horatio holds the seat of honor in Shakespeare’s tragedy Hamlet, for being the only character among the dramatis personae who is extremely close to the protagonist. Horatio’s emotional bond with the hero is paradoxically closer than that of Hamlet’s mother to the hero. This essay will examine the character of Horatio, Hamlet’s truest friend.    D.G. James’ essay, â€Å"The New Doubt,† explains the hero’s passionate admiration of Horatio:    But we must remarkRead MoreHamlet to Horatio Eulogy944 Words   |  4 PagesYear 12 English Ââ€" Hamlets Eulogy (delivered by Horatio) Simone Schulz Lords, ladies and citizens of Elsinore, what treasure lost. It is with great sorrow that I stand before you in this difficult day, in this difficult time. I do not know what to say nor how to say it. We are all here to honour, remember and pay respect to the most remarkable Prince we could ever know, Prince Hamlet of Denmark, beloved son of the late King Hamlet and Queen Gertrude, royal courtier and loyal friend. To allRead MoreFriendship Between Horatio And Hamlet1000 Words   |  4 Pagestheir pursuit for happiness. The friendship between Horatio and Hamlet lasts longer because the two of them love each other in accordance with their merit. In Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the characters spend a lot of time betraying one another for their own gain. Characters such as Rosencrantz, Guildenstern, Claudius, and Gertrude, are not loyal to Hamlet. The only exception would be Horatio, who is Hamlets trusted friend. When we first see Horatio, he is called upon by the castle guards to explain theRead More Horatio in Shakespeares Hamlet Essay2166 Words   |  9 PagesHoratio in Hamlet      Ã‚   In Shakespeare’s tragedy Hamlet, the closest friend of the hero is a fellow-student from Wittenberg (Granville-Barker 93), an intelligent and understanding young man by the name of Horatio. This essay seeks to carefully present his character.    Marchette Chute in â€Å"The Story Told in Hamlet† describes Horatio’s part in the opening scene of the play:    The story opens in the cold and dark of a winter night in Denmark, while the guard is being changed on theRead MoreFriendship Between Hamlet And Horatio1330 Words   |  6 Pages especially in his tragedies. Various characters seem to be close friends with the main character in the beginning of plays but usually reveal their true opinions on them or disappear because of their lack of loyalty. The friendship between Horatio and Hamlet lasts longer because the two of them love each other in accordance with their merit. There are three types of friendship, according to Aristotle. The first type of friendship based on utility. In this type of friendship, both individuals getRead MoreHoratio Is The Alpha And Omega Of Hamlet964 Words   |  4 Pagesinstance, Horatio is referring back to Roman ideas that he would rather commit suicide than outlive his friend, Hamlet. Many believe that Horatio is an unimportant character and was just put there as a filler character. However, this could not be farther from the truth. Without Horatio, Hamlet would be just a crazy. Horatio is a looked over main character that makes Hamlet’s story credible. If he did not choose to narrate, the entire play would be based on a mad man’s story. Horatio is the alphaRead More The Character Horatio in Shakespeares Hamlet Essay1248 Words   |  5 PagesThe Character Horatio in Shakespeares Hamlet In the play Hamlet, by William Shakespeare, the confidant Horatio is created to serve a number of different purposes. Horatio is a flat character. He is a loyal, obedient, and trustworthy companion to Hamlet. His character does not undergo any significant transformation throughout the play, except that he serves as a witness of the death of Hamlet, Claudius, and Gertrude. Horatios role in the play seems to be as a utilitarian character that ShakespeareRead MoreHamlet Needs Horatio and Ophelia Essay1326 Words   |  6 Pagesjust as a play may not be successful without its supporting characters. Horatio and Ophelia are often disregarded as supporting actors within the play. They spend very little time onstage, and when they are their roles seem trivial; however, their true purpose is much greater. The characters of Horatio and Ophelia have two very different functions in the play. Horatio is used as a foil for Hamlet, the person to whom Hamlet can discuss his course of action and act like his true self. Ophelia,Read More Horatio: A True Friend of Hamlet Essay826 Words   |  4 PagesShakespeare’s Hamlet is a tragic play. Most of the characters in the play have selfish motives at heart. Lust, greed, pride, and revenge are just a few sins that are committed in the play. There are few instances within the play that show goodness and kindness. Hamlet has so many people around him trying to bring him down, but he had one friend that was loyal to him, and that was Horatio. The other key characters in the play were only out for their own good. However Horatio was looking out for Hamlet. UnfortunatelyRead MoreCharacter Analysis Of Horatio In Shakespeares Hamlet938 Words   |  4 PagesIn Shakespeare’s play, Hamlet, Horatio is Hamlet’s confidant as he plots revenge against King Claudius, the murderer of King Hamlet. He listens to Hamlet’s secrets without revealing them to the other characters. He is essentially the keeper of all truth. Unlike the other characters, Horatio seems to be the only character that Hamlet could trust without fearing that he would betray him. He is known for his logic and sanity, which is the complete opposite of Hamlet’s impulsive behavior. Although subtle