Question

What is seemingly the only thing standing in the way of Claudius's happiness, and how does he attempt to solve this problem? What plot is revealed to the audience by Claudius, and how does this further reveal his character? Theatrically, how did Claudius's plan present challenges for Shakespeare? Discuss the concept of deus ex machina in the manner in which Shakespeare solved the theatrical problem he had created, the way in which Claudius's plan worked out.

Option 1: Claudius believes that Hamlet is the obstacle to his happiness. He attempts to solve this problem by plotting Hamlet's death. This reveals a cunning and manipulative side to his character. Theatrically, this presents challenges in creating a convincing and dramatic climax.

Option 2: Claudius thinks his own guilt is standing in the way of his happiness. He attempts to solve this problem by confessing his sins. This reveals his internal conflict and remorse. Theatrically, it challenges Shakespeare to create a dramatic and emotional scene.

Option 3: Claudius believes that his marriage to Gertrude is the obstacle to his happiness. He attempts to solve this problem by seeking a divorce. This reveals his dissatisfaction in the marriage. Theatrically, it presents challenges in depicting the legal and social aspects of divorce in the play.

Option 4: Claudius sees Hamlet's madness as the obstacle to his happiness. He attempts to solve this problem by sending Hamlet away. This reveals his desire for a peaceful court. Theatrically, it challenges Shakespeare to portray Hamlet's exile convincingly.

Answer 1

In Shakespeare's 'Hamlet', Claudius identifies Hamlet as a threat to his rule and plots his death to secure his happiness, revealing his manipulative nature. Shakespeare masterfully avoids deus ex machina and allows the organic development of the plot to heighten drama and maintain narrative integrity.

Step-by-step explanation:

The core of Claudius's discontent in Shakespeare's Hamlet is his fear that Hamlet is an obstacle to his peace and security after usurping the throne. Claudius attempts to address this by plotting Hamlet's death, an act that uncovers his own manipulative and unethical character. These plans are tactically revealed to the audience through the course of the play, heightening the dramatic tension and character development.

Theatrically, Shakespeare faces the challenge of portraying the unfolding of Claudius's nefarious schemes in ways that are believably embedded in the narrative, without relying on the convenient but artistically cheap mechanism of deus ex machina. In classical literature, deus ex machina refers to an improbable resolution to a complex problem, typically through the sudden intervention of an unexpected external entity which solves the situation. Shakespeare, however, weaves resolution organically through the actions and decisions of the characters, maintaining the play's dramatic and emotional integrity.

Option one of the given scenarios is accurate concerning the plot of Hamlet, demonstrating Claudius's underhandedness and adding depth to the play's intricate web of deceit and moral ambiguity. Claudius's actions represent Shakespeare's exploration of themes such as power, guilt, and consequence, adding complexity to the narrative without resorting to deus ex machina.