The play. Hamlet, demonstrate that the ability to manipulate often brings the desired results.

Question

Discuss the validity of this statement

400-450 words

Answer 1

The play "Hamlet" by William Shakespeare explores various themes, including power, manipulation, and the consequences of these actions. One argument that can be made is that the ability to manipulate often brings the desired results. While it is true that manipulation can produce short-term gains, the play ultimately reveals the long-term negative consequences that come with it. Through the actions of characters like Claudius and Hamlet himself, Shakespeare highlights the dangers and ultimately questions the validity of this statement.

One character who exemplifies the ability to manipulate is Claudius, the antagonist of the play. Claudius manipulates his way to the throne by killing his brother, King Hamlet, and marrying his widow, Gertrude. This manipulation brings desired results for Claudius, as he gains power and becomes the new king of Denmark. However, the play showcases the negative consequences and guilt that haunt Claudius throughout the story. The ghost of King Hamlet constantly appears to remind Claudius of his treacherous actions, leading to his eventual downfall. Although Claudius initially achieves his desired results through manipulation, the play highlights the inevitable consequences that come with such actions.

On the other hand, the play also presents the character of Hamlet, who uses manipulation as a means to achieve his goal of avenging his father's murder. Hamlet develops a plan to expose Claudius by pretending to be mad, manipulating those around him to gain information and gather evidence. At first, this manipulation seems to bring desired results, as Hamlet successfully exposes Claudius's guilt. However, as the play progresses, Hamlet's obsession with revenge and his manipulative tactics lead to the death of innocent characters, including Polonius and Ophelia. Hamlet's manipulation results in chaos and tragedy, ultimately questioning the validity of using manipulation to achieve one's goals.

Furthermore, the play delves into the notion that manipulation often leads to a loss of authenticity and genuine connections. Throughout the play, the characters' constant manipulation creates an atmosphere of deceit and mistrust. Relationships are strained, and characters like Hamlet and Ophelia suffer from the absence of true connections with others. The play suggests that manipulation may bring short-term results, but it ultimately results in a loss of meaningful relationships and a sense of authenticity.

In conclusion, while the ability to manipulate may initially bring desired results, the play "Hamlet" ultimately challenges the validity of this statement. Through the characters of Claudius and Hamlet, Shakespeare reveals the negative consequences of manipulation and questions its ultimate worth. The play highlights the guilt, chaos, and loss of authenticity that come with manipulation. Thus, while manipulation may seem advantageous in the short term, the long-term consequences outweigh any immediate benefits.