Essay on Hamlet Death and destruction rain down on an empire as chaos runs through the streets like a plague-ridden rat. People rush when the very thing they trusted has collapsed. Over time, empires have fallen and risen, but what has remained constant is the growth of humanity. Even after destruction strikes an empire, humanity continues to progress. Societies have gone through some of the worst tragedies in history, and Hamlet is no exception. As the royal family dies and the end of an era begins, Hamlet has one final request: “Upon Fortinbras; it has my dying voice. Then tell him, with the events, more or less, that prompted it, the rest is silence. (Shakespeare 283). With the death of the royal family does the throne go to Fortinbras? A Norwegian prince whose impulsive temperament can at best be described as aggressive. But the consequence of such actions is only to regrow a ruined field. The Kingdom of Denmark had faced levels of corruption throughout its dynasty, like a rotten apple that looked shiny and pristine on the outside but rotten and corrupt on the inside. Only one person with stability and knowledge in the region could rule such a kingdom, that man was Fortinbras. What Shakespeare showed us is not only that to grow we must destroy, but that to progress as a society we must be willing to start over. In Hamlet, Shakespeare uses constant death and revenge to show how the death of an entire family can advance the progress of an empire. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Since the beginning of time, humanity has found ways to work together and progress as a society. In the prehistoric era, as humans we were a predominantly egalitarian society who had mutual relationships with each other. The society was not made up of large empires intent on global domination, but of sufficient small tribes with the purpose of survival. But of course all this changed with the Neolithic revolution, with the development of the first city (Çatalhöyük) around 6700-5700 BC, society began to develop and daily survival was not a big problem. stone walls, which testify to the competition between the sedentary agricultural communities and the wandering nomadic populations". (Visual History of the World) But when societies began to civilize, social classes began to appear and with them the end of egalitarianism. Wealth, power, and strength dominated these early cities, which were used to create a new powerful upper class in society. The upper class soon became rulers, generals, and priests. They each had extraordinary power in society, especially religious leaders who were said to be able to speak to the gods. Of course religion was intended for everyone to be one with the divine forces, yet privileges came to those with money. As demonstrated throughout history, those who possess wealth have power, even the power to define the Gods. In Hamlet, this is particularly shown in Ophelia's supposed suicide. As her family prepared for her funeral, accusations of suicide haunted her, as suicide is strictly condemned by the church. However, as demonstrated by More “Will you get the truth about this? If this had not been a gentlewoman, she should have been buried in a Christian burial. (Shakespeare 241). With some clandestine financial arrangements his family managed to bury Ophelia even though she may have disobeyed God. Inequality, a major cause of the destruction of dynasties, was not foundonly in the prehistoric era, but also in Hamlet. As society progressed, a new era was born and with it empires that would last a lifetime. The First Empires have influenced society to this day, they have changed the way humanity works. The Egyptians were one of the greatest empires to ever live and as they progressed as an empire from 2660 BC to 332 BC (before Alexander the Great conquered the Egyptians) they were able to create one of the longest-lived empires in the world. But a major reason for such progress was not only their great architecture and armies, but the continuation of rulers throughout the empire. What has plagued empires for generations has been the ability to peacefully transfer power to new rulers. What the Egyptian empire was able to do allowed it to thrive for another 2,000 years. “The chronology of Egyptian rulers before the arrival of Alexander the Great in 332 BC is divided into 31 dynasties” (Visual History of the World). These 31 dynasties were established, and with them the great Egyptian empire expanded. Empires with peaceful transitions can continue to stand the test of time, yet those characterized by insecurities can ruin even the most established regimes. In Hamlet this is particularly shown with the entrance of King Claudius of Denmark. While the mysterious death of King Hamlet was being distanced from the Danish nobility, the difficult takeover of King Claudius began. However the difficult transition was ignored as fear from the north faced Denmark, as Claudius said "To Norway, uncle of young Fortinbras, - who, helpless and bedridden, scarcely hears this purpose of his nephew, - to be suppressed" . (Shakespeare 21-22) The Danes had neglected their fears of Claudius to protect themselves from the growing hostilities against the Norwegians. As history has shown, Egyptians never neglect those who are ascendant. Around 670 BC the Assyrians launched attacks on Egypt, overthrowing the Nubian dynasty and installing Psmatik I (Libyan prince) to rule Egypt. He eventually succeeded in uniting all of Egypt in 656 BC and began the 26th Dynasty. However, while the Egyptians were worried about a new threat from the north, the Persians. They didn't even consider the real threat that was rising, the ancient Greeks. The Egyptians had married Greek women, used Greek currency, and had become an important trading partner. When King Cambyses of Persia conquered Egypt, everyone had overlooked the threat from Europe. In a vast and rapid invasion, Alexander the Great conquered all of Persia in 332 BC and with it Egypt. The Greek influence of Egypt had made Alexander the Great's transition to power easy. Similar to Hamlet, an external but knowledgeable force had come to rule a foreign region due to the incompetence of those in power. As the first empires decline, powerful new empires arise in the ancient world. Learning from the mistakes of those who came before them, these new empires would claim to truly stand the test of time. The Romans have made a name for themselves to this day. Aqueducts that stretch for miles across the empire allowing water to spread across vast fields. The very creation of the mile and of an organized road system, capable of connecting the entire empire into a network. A far superior army that created political stability throughout the Mediterranean region and a representative democracy, the Senate, that allowed the people to govern. The achievements of this empire are too vast to count, however, as the empire expanded, so did its problems. It eventually became an empire under the first emperor, Augustus, and withit began a new era for Rome. As the empire faced constant wars on all sides, it decided to split into a dual state, splitting into the Eastern and Western Roman Empires. As problems continued to arise, Emperor Diocletian ordered the end of a centrally governed Rome and began the Tetrarchy (rule of the four) in 293 AD. The Tetrarchy was able to provide stability to the region for 20 years allowing the Roman Empire to continue to govern the region. However, “the tetrarchy was already in the balance in 305 because Maximian, unlike Diocletian, was reluctant to give up power; furthermore, in addition to his adopted son Constantius, Maximian had a biological son, the ambitious Maxentius, who aspired to power”. (Visual history of the world). Maxentius, heir to the Western Roman Empire, had such ambitions that conflicted with the tetrarchy. He decided to claim that he was the ruler of all of Rome. Through the use of deception he managed to convince the Praetorians to support his claim to the throne. But those who stab others should also watch their backs. Revenge, the most corrupting of vices, had entered the heart of young Laertes. He blamed Hamlet for the death of his sister and father and with such vengeance he killed Hamlet with a poisoned sword. But as history has shown, his revenge got the better of him: “I was justly killed because of my own treachery.” (Shakespeare 279) as Laertes gasps his last words. His deceit and revenge not only on his country but on his conscience were the cause of his death. Similar to Maxentius, both traitor men died for what they had caused, the instability in their kingdom. Laertes' killing of Hamlet marks the beginning of a new era for the Kingdom of Denmark. Maxentius' defeat at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312 AD allowed Rome to once again stabilize its control over the region. Deceit will always destroy, deconstruct and dismantle an empire. The deception shown in Rome not only portrays that of Hamlet, but exclaims the certainty of what mistrust can do not only to a family but to an empire. As the fall of empires descends upon Europe, a new era of instability, fear and deception descends upon what was once a great continent, entering the Middle Ages. Although foreign invaders came from many directions, the most feared were those from the south and east. From the south came the Arabs, the Abbasids claimed Europe while the Ayyubids maintained the growth of Islam for generations to come. The east saw the rise of the Mongols, a generation of great rulers from Genghis Khan to Kublai Khan who spread their vast empire from China to Europe. Finally, Europe itself was in a time of constant turmoil, the stability that the Roman Empire had created now ceased to exist. But the unifying force of the Papacy attempted to create stability in the devastated wasteland of medieval Europe. As threats from the south grew, there was only one solution: find a common enemy and unite Europe against that enemy. Beginning, The Crusades. Kings and knights from all over the country galloped triumphantly towards the Holy Land. Their enemy was Islam, and with it they began a multitude of crusades. But in the Fourth Crusade the betrayal began and with it “revenge” was taken. “The Fourth Crusade, launched by Pope Innocent III in 1202, showed the corruption of the idea of ​​the Crusade.” (Visual history of the world). Deceived by Enrico Dandolo, Doge of Venice, the Crusaders sacked Constantinople in one of the greatest deceptions in history. Venice, in a power play to rid itself of any rivals in the region, was able not only to sack what was once a great city, but to install a puppet government, in what wascalled the Latin Empire. This betrayal was seen as "revenge" against the Byzantine Empire for not having repaid its debts, but in reality it was just an intuitive game by the Doge himself. Betrayal and deception will only result in destruction and death for all involved. The act of “vengeance” has been a constant theme in Hamlet and throughout the entire play. As Hamlet proclaimed: "An ardent adjuration from the king, for England was his faithful tributary, for love between them might flourish like the palm, while peace should stiffen her wheaten wreath wear and stand a comma among their friendships, and many similar as a It is of great importance that, in the light and knowledge of these contents, without further debate, more or less, He should put the bearers to sudden death, without allowing time for contraction” (Shakespeare 261) Hamlet's moment of pride is not surprising in the Shakespearean novel. He is proud of the fact that he has achieved his "vengeance" on Guildenstern and Rosencrantz, his old friends only an act of destruction but an act similar to that of the Doge, of selfish intent. Hamlet, the legitimate heir, proudly displays the murder of his old friends. While Hamlet, similar to the Doge had gained in the deceitful act, both would have saw the moment come at the end. The act of betrayal not only destabilized a region, but began the end of two traitorous men. As new ideas blossom and flourish, innovation drives progress and with it comes the beginning of a new modern era. Those ideas flooded Europe like the Great Flood that struck in Genesis, wiping out with it all the old ideals remaining in the Old Continent. With it came a new interpretation of an old tradition. The power of the papacy had influenced Europe for generations, and with it came a new conflict. The power of the Papacy had moved out of jurisdiction, it had moved from piety and faith to wealth and power. What was needed was a Reformation and with it leaders like Martin Luther and Johannes Calvin became revolutionaries in changing Christianity. And so they did, they created something that has revolutionized the world to this day. In Hamlet the effects of the Reformation are evident, the Queen says “Let not your mother lose her prayers, Hamlet. Please stay with us. Don't go to Wittenberg. (Shakespeare 29) Gertrude's uncertainty about Hamlet's travels is directly influenced by the reform itself. “In 1517 in Wittenberg, Martin Luther made public his 95 theses to reform the Church” (Visual History of the World). These events lead the Queen to be worried and even confused about her Son's exploits abroad. English was in a difficult position as the Reformation had spread but had not won English hearts. With it came new ideas, which many monarchs, such as Hamlets, were not willing to accept. As throughout Europe, the monarchies of the time were reluctant to change and for many this spelled their downfall. However, in spirituality both denominations had much in common. As said by the ghost "Avenge his foul and unnatural murder." (Shakespeare 57). The act of murder was not only a sin but was widely condemned by both branches of the church. The rejection of new ideas by empires throughout history has set the tone for change that has plagued everyone from the Hamlets to the Habsburgs. While ideas flourished around the world, the innovation that had progressed throughout the century had not yet achieved a sense of belonging. What had proclaimed progress above all else was not living up to its full potential. The beginning of the modern era was not enough, a revolution was needed that would transform the worldin the truly modern era. Revolutionary ideas had spread like wildfire in an open forest, as the monarchs of Europe continue to fly away, new ideologies flourish in a new open pasture. Ideals of progress have moved from simple state conflict to broader inclusion. The peasants tired of being oppressed have finally united under a single ideal. (“Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité”) The ideals of the Enlightenment had spread to the common man. The French Revolution was a turning point for Europe and the social structure that had plagued it for generations. “Under the reign of Louis XVI, the serious shortcomings of the absolutist monarchy become more evident in France than in neighboring states. Wars such as the Seven Years' War and the war in the American colonies – as well as the financing of the courts – had led to immense state debt, and even the majority of the aristocracy was no longer willing to tolerate the extravagance of the Versailles courts.” (Visual history of the world). To resolve this conflict, King Louis XVI convened the Estates General (aristocracy, clergy and bourgeoisie) at the beginning of the negotiations, the king had attempted to dissolve the National Assembly and put an end to all opposition to the monarchy. The Parisians had not taken it so well and the revolutionaries took the Bastille on 14 July 1789. And on 8 August 1789 the Declaration of Man and Citizen was proclaimed. “Men are born and remain free and equal in rights. Social distinctions can only be based on community utility” (Visual History of the World). However the Recognition of equality was not a new concept for Shakespeare. Through the use of Hamlet he was able to make a statement similar to the Declaration of the Man and the Citizen. As Hamlet stated: “That skull had a tongue and could sing once. How the scoundrel slams him to the ground as if it were Cain's jaw that committed the first murder! This could be the head of a politician that this idiot reaches, one who would like to circumvent God, couldn't it? (Shakespeare 243) Hamlet's awareness that, regardless of our outward appearance, all men are equal on the inside, is in common with the ideals of the French Revolution. These ideals lead not only to the liberation of a people but to the death of a monarch. Similar to the French Revolution, Hamlet's realization of the new found morality throughout the play succeeded in ending and destroying a corrupt dynasty that was also displayed indefinitely in France. Similar to Hamlet, the process of revolution was bloody and required a foreign ruler to stabilize a region. The tides of humanity were changing, and years of neglect and corruption were beginning to show. Hamlet, like the chronology of the story, was unfolding violently but with progression towards a better tomorrow. What had flourished in the hands of humanity had progressed across the Globe and with it an era of uncertainty as new ideologies spread, each with its own consequences. . What was about to happen would change the fabric of time, for generations to come. Not just an era of total war, which would affect every man, woman and child in the world. But an era of will, determination and grit. This is the era of world wars. The world watched as June 28, 1919 approached, the capitulation of the Germans and with it the end of the war to end all wars. The allies had beaten the old German shepherd to his kennel. The Kaiser had left Germany in ruins. After the war the German people were left with nothing. “Hyperinflation and coup attempts by groups across the political spectrum prevented the republic from finding peace and stability in its early years” (Visual History to the World). There.