Question

It is often debated at what exact point the play Hamlet reaches its climax. Some people believe that the climax is the play that Hamlet presents to test his uncle. Others believe that it is the moment when Hamlet kills Polonius. Take a stance on which of these events you feel is the true climax and support your answer with details from the text.

Answer 1

If you feel the climax occurs when the play that Hamlet devises proves Claudius’ guilt, then you should include the following points:

Hamlet contemplates killing his uncle.

Hamlet does not go through with the murder, as he is unsure of his uncle’s guilt.

Hamlet tests his uncle’s guilt through a reenactment of the murder of King Hamlet.

Claudius reacts to the scene in which the King’s murder is performed.

Hamlet finally realizes that his uncle is guilty, and from this point on, Hamlet puts to rest any doubts he had about his uncle’s innocence.

As Hamlet’s doubts are put to rest at this moment, this point in the play can be considered the climax.

If you feel the climax occurs when Hamlet stabs Polonius, then you should include the following points:

Hamlet contemplates killing his uncle.

Hamlet does not go through with the murder as he is unsure of his uncle’s guilt.

Hamlet spends much time contemplating whether to kill his uncle and procrastinates over the deed.

He doesn’t act and only tests his uncle’s innocence through the performance of a play in which a king is murdered in a manner similar to King Hamlet’s murder.

Even after Claudius appears guilty, Hamlet refuses to kill his praying uncle and postpones the deed even further.

In Queen Gertrude’s room, Hamlet believes Claudius is hiding behind the tapestry and impulsively stabs his sword in that direction, killing Polonius.

Because Hamlet finally acts upon his desire to kill Claudius, this point in the play can be considered the climax.

Answer 2

In Shakespeare's "Hamlet," I think the climax of the story occurs when the protagonist kills Polonius. The reason is that moment is the most intense scene of the play, since Hamlet now must face terrible consequences as a result of his violent impulse and mistake. First, Polonius' son Laertes will seek revenge, Hamlet will also have a conflict with Ophelia, and his relationship with his uncle Claudius -who he intended to kill instead of Polonius- will be completely broken.