Comparing Justice And Revenge In Shakespeare's Hamlet

The terms justice and revenge are often used interchangeably; however, they are very different. Just is based off of logic and ethical values. Its goal is to right a wrong and/or restore order. In Hamlet, justice leads to everybody in the situation feeling satisfied. While revenge is emotionally driven retaliation that is personal, and done to get even. In Hamlet, revenge leads to the targeted character being hurt in some way. Nobel Peace Prize recipient, Oscar Arias Sanchez, once said, “It is essential that justice be done; it is equally vital that justice not be confused with revenge; for the two are wholly different.” A similar message is portrayed in Shakespeare’s Hamlet. The fine line between justice and revenge is explored throughout the play. …show more content…
He answers this question through omens. In Hamlet, just acts are good omens. They are followed by positive occurrences that work in the character’s being just favour. On the other hand, vengeful acts are ill omens. They are followed by negative occurrences that works to the detriment of the character seeking revenge. Shakespeare does this to show the righteousness of justice and the indecency. The comparison between justice and revenge in Hamlet show that justice is the only successful way to resolve conflict because revenge will ultimately fail. This is noticeable in the just acts of: the ‘Mousetrap Play’, Claudius’ prayer, and the Norwegian sub-plot; and visible in the vengeful acts of: Claudius and Laertes’ plot against Hamlet, Laertes’ poisoning Hamlet, and Hamlet’s poisoning