Shakespeare uses the friendship between Hamlet and Horatio as a vehicle to tell the readers Hamlet’s true thoughts, plans and feelings. Horatio is the only true friend Hamlet has in the play. Throughout the play, Horatio demonstrates his friendship and loyalty to Hamlet. He helps Hamlet with his plans and keeps his secrets. Horatio would have reported Hamlet for his accusations against Claudius if they were not friends. Moreover, Hamlet loves Horatio deeply and trusts him personally. When Hamlet is dying, Horatio is the one who comforts him at his death. Horatio is the only person who understands for certain that Hamlet madness is an act. The reader learns Hamlet’s true character from the Horatio’s thoughts and words in the play.
3 thoughts on “What is the role of friendship in the play? Who are the most genuine friends, if there are any in the play?”
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I agree. Shakespeare does use the duo as a vehicle of information because it is only through conversations with Horatio that true intent is expressed. Hamlet only discusses matters of importance with Horatio because he is the only person he trusts. Horatio is Hamlet’s only true friend. Sadly, he is the only person in Hamlet’s life who has not betrayed or disappointed him.
This was suppose to be a reply to Benyang Jiang. There wasn’t a reply button, so I responded below their comment, and it posted as a separate comment instead of a reply.
Life at court is not always what it seems. The role of Kings,Queens, noblemen and ladies are seemingly amusing through the lens of a commoner. However, Shakespeare informs his readers that life at court is not always filled with treasure of ruby’s and emeralds. Rather, it is filled with ambition, treachery, and disloyalty. Shakespeare uses the relationship between Hamlet and Horatio to exemplify that with all of the courts cruelty and ambition, there will always be one person that you can count on. Throughout the Shakespearean play, Hamlet is known to put all of his trust in one person only. Hamlet is heard to share his masterplan to deceive the party who killed his father, and plans to kill him. Hamlet is only heard to open up to Horatio about his true thoughts and feelings; Horatio was closest confidant, and good friend. The authenticity, and deep level of their friendship was exposed to others after his death.