Pure Evil

              Claudius commits many horrible acts; he is not purely evil and is better understood as a flawed human being. Claudius is guilty of many sins, including the murder of the king and plotting for the Hamlet's death when he realizes that the Prince knows the truth. What concerns Claudius' character, Hamlet learns that he managed to obstruct his life,knows his right to the throne, humiliate the memory of his father by marrying his mother so soon after, and for all these reasons, enrage the young Prince and appear to be truly evil at the same time:” He that hath kill'd my king and whored my mother, Popp'd in between the election and my hopes…And with such cozenage—is't not perfect conscience, To quit him with this arm”. Claudius is not purely evil but is simply an example of a very flawed human being who allows his greed and selfish desires to control his actions. The King is however also a reasonable man, capable ruler, and competent diplomat, as is exemplified in Act 1.2 when he disposes of court business. The King reveals also during fleeting moments in the play that he is aware of his bad conscience and actions. This is for instance clear when he compares his 'deed to [his] painted word' (3.1.49-54). It is also clear from his attempt to pray in Act 3.3. Though he is not able to repent and continues in plotting and scheming, the attempt to redeem himself and his acknowledgement of the evil. It would be however a fallacy to “The Tragedy of Claudius, King of Denmark”. This is because Claudius does not have any redeeming qualities to justify his sins. Whereas Hamlet seeks, plots, and desires to kill throughout the play in what some might describe as an evil way, his actions are inspired by his desire for revenge. Even-though it’s not the  right  motive, it docent  make Hamlet understandable and tragic in a human way many can sympathize with. This is not true for Claudius.