The revenge tragedy Hamlet, by William Shakespeare, uses the characterization and interaction of certain characters to explore many universal themes such as corruption, love, and action . First, Hamlet's strained relationship with King Claudius espouses the notion of corruption in a political state. Hamlet's relationships with the play's female characters, Ophelia and Gertrude, offer insight into the nature of men and women, as well as their intrinsic differences. Finally, Hamlet's internal relationship, depicted through his internal soliloquies and monologues, brings to the fore some of the play's most relevant philosophical themes, such as life, death, action, and inaction. These contrasting themes can be approached and examined through the characterization of Hamlet as a contrasting figure in the play. These relationships ultimately offer an endless supply of ideas and opinions to the reader. This is highlighted by many respected critics' views on the play, such as those of TS Eliot and Jonathan Bate. All explanations offered in this essay are examples of the author's personal understanding of the piece. The intense human relationship between Hamlet and King Claudius reveals, through Shakespeare's use of contrast, the concept of corruption and power. Shakespeare does this to parallel the madness of political institutions and power. King Claudius emphasizes this in his confession speech through the rhetorical question “Try what repentance can: what can it not?” But what can he do when we cannot repent? This shows Claudius' desperate regrets fueled by repentance, which only occurs due to the threat of being illuminated by Hamlet's beacons of justice. He acknowledges that he will "try what repentance can"....... middle of paper ...... eternal monologue and soliloquies, will promote some of the play's most relevant philosophical themes, such as life, death, action. and inaction. These views have been influenced by many views, notably those of TS Eliot and Jonathan Bate. Kevin, I'm glad you followed up on the comments I gave you on March 7, but you need to understand that I can really only guide you to a limited extent if there are to be rules relatively fair game for all students. Your essay contains insightful observations and comments on the play and I am particularly impressed that you did not resort to retelling a film version of the play. The score of 17/20 accurately reflects what you have accomplished in what is a very strong answer. In terms of the marking criteria, your response needed to demonstrate a stronger sense of your own engagement with the text and the question..