Final answer:
Hamlet's hesitation stems largely from his doubt about the ghost's authenticity and the intense emotions he cannot match with the reality of his situation. Shakespeare uses the ghost as a symbol, with historical and religious undertones, to explore deeper existential themes within the play.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hamlet's uncertainty in seeking revenge against Claudius is multifaceted, involving a complex interplay of emotions and doubts. One of the prominent reasons for Hamlet's hesitance is his doubt about the ghost's authenticity, which he grapples with throughout the play. Critics like T.S. Eliot have pointed out the difficulty Hamlet faces in matching his intense emotions with the reality of his situation, especially his feelings towards his mother's actions. Furthermore, Hamlet's own musings on life and death, including his iconic soliloquies, transcend the plot and reveal Shakespeare's exploration of existential themes. The ghost in 'Hamlet' can also be seen as a symbol representing the oppression of Catholics during Shakespeare's era, hinting at the historical and religious undertones influencing the narrative.