The different Perspectives of Christianity and Paganism on the Concept of Revenge in Shakespeare's Hamlet

Mustafa Mohammed Rashid

Vol-4,Issue-6,November - December 2019

Author: Mustafa Mohammed Rashid

Keywords: Hamlet, Christianity, Protestant, Catholic and revenge.

Abstract: This paper focuses on the question of Hamlet's potential actions, especially after the meeting with the Ghost of his passed away father. The main focus is on the prominent influence of biblical and Christian doctrine on the behavior of Hamlet as he seeks revenge, and how biblical and Christian doctrine play an important role in changing the course of events in the play. Moreover, Shakespeare uses the biblical and Christian teachings subtly and substantially. Therefore, he achieves that by presenting Hamlet as a pious Prince who wants to make sure whether his uncle has murdered his father or not, which is almost similar to the historical and religious story of Cain and Abel. Moreover, the concept of remembrance in Catholicism will be taken under the consideration. Furthermore, the controversial characteristics of Hamlet show the syncretism of Catholic and Protestant sects of Christianity as represented by the religious culture of Elizabethan era.

DOI: 10.22161/ijels.46.48