The Character of Claudius in Shakespeares Hamlet Essay

The Character of Claudius in Hamlet Shakespeare presents Claudius as a character with many faces yet the audience can clearly understand his motives and ambition throughout the play. His character does however change and we clearly see how his evilness and weakness increases as his need to escape discovery and his clandestine nature in doing so, is revealed. It is in Act one scene two that we are first introduced to the character of Claudius. The impression made by him is that of a powerful and controlled man who is respected by most. His mannerisms of speech are graceful and are nothing less than the words of a king, to bear our heats with grief, and our whole kingdom. Claudius is presented to us by†¦show more content†¦Hamlet is not convinced but Claudiuss eloquent and graceful words are seemingly enough to win over the heart of Denmark. Through yet of Hamlet our dear brothers death, the memory be green, and that it us befitted, to bear our hearts in grief. Shakespeare uses the technique of giving Claudiuss language a double meaning to portray to the audience his deceptive and two-sided character. Yet still, in these early stages on the play the audience is still yet to learn of the kings spiteful murder and in his speech he compares the body of his brother to that of the first corpse referring to Abel. It is unconscious but dramatic irony used here by Shakespeare as Claudius committed the same crime as Cain. Shakespeares use of dramatic irony here engages the audiences interest and adds tension. Moreover, it makes Claudius seem vulnerable as his avenger is trying to out step him. Unlike the procrastinating Hamlet, the king is straightforward be as ourself in Denmark. Madam come. discreet and acts without hesitating although he usually incorporates the help of other characters of lower status than himself to do his deeds can you by no drift of conference get from him why he outs on this confusion? Hamlet has little respect for Claudius due to the circumstances of his mothers marriage and condemns him as a drunkard toShow MoreRelated Hamlet: The Character of Claudius in Shakespeares Hamlet Essay1330 Words   |  6 PagesHamlet: The Character of Claudius  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Of all the characters in Shakespeares Hamlet, perhaps the role of Claudius is the most intriguing and crucial. Claudius is the most controversial, the most mysterious and the most talked about character in this play. Many people look at Claudius and only see a villain, but there are additional sides to him that are often overlooked: Claudius the father, the husband, the ruler and the mortal individual. In this play the characters are not super-humanRead More The Character of Claudius in Shakespeares Hamlet Essay805 Words   |  4 PagesThe Character of Claudius in Hamlet As a supporting character in Shakespeare’s play, Hamlet, Claudius is not developed to his full potential. 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