Shakespeare introduces the theme of revenge to create conflict between Hamlet and Claudius. In Act 1, Hamlet is approached by the ghost of his father who alerts Hamlet of his murder carried out by Claudius. The Ghost says “Revenge his foul and most unnatural murder”. This is the introduction to the revenge plot between Hamlet and Claudius. Hamlet creates an intricate plan to catch Claudius and kill him. Hamlet has people act out the murder through a play in order to verify that Claudius was truly guilty. “The play’s the thing,” Hamlet declares, “wherein I’ll catch the conscience of the king”.
When Claudius affirms that he is responsible for his brothers murder Hamlet continues his revenge plot. Revenge causes Hamlet to push away loved ones and become depressed. As part of Hamlet’s plan he must break off his relationship with the love of his life Ophelia. This is part of what makes his attitude towards revenge waver. Hamlet takes his time to actually carry out the revenge. He was waiting for the “perfect time” but also questioning himself and his decision to murder his Uncle.
From confirming that the ghost was correct about his father’s murder to coming to terms with possibly dying it takes Hamlet the entire play to actually murder Claudius. He took longer to act, because he needs to be ready for the consequences.
