Claudius the Machiavelli - 1652 Words

Claudius the Machiavelli There are many kinds of people in the world. Some people are kind, generous, caring, etc. But there are the kinds of people who are selfish deceiving and very cruel to those around them and only puts themselves before other people, these are characteristics of a Machiavellian character. In the story of Shakespeare, Hamlet, shows a great example of a Machiavellian character Claudius. Claudius is the type of man who is willing to go to the extremes in order to keep high position of power. He doesn’t care for the well being of others and only cares about himself. In Hamlet Claudius faces many threats to his position of power that has brought out his Machiavellian characteristics. Some of which are his willingness to†¦show more content†¦Therefore prepare thyself/ the bark is ready, and the wind at help , thy associates tend, and everything is bent for England.† (Shakespeare IV. III 43-49) in this scene of the play Claudius tells Hamlet he is sending Hamlet to Engla nd in order to reflect upon himself and his actions, but his true intention is being hidden which is Hamlet’s execution in England. This proves that Claudius is a Machiavelli because he is very deceitful to and disloyal to Hamlet by lying to Hamlet telling him that he is getting a sometime away from the kingdom in England for his own benefit but is actually being sent off to get executed just so Claudius can keep his position of power and his life. There is more than one time Claudius has shown his Machiavellian traits through trickery, betrayal and lies. One part in the play Claudius says to Laertes: â€Å"To thine own peace. If he be now returned,/ As checking at his voyage, and that he means/ No more to undertake it, I will work him/ To an exploit, now ripe in my device,/ Under the which he shall not choose but fall./ And for his death no wind no wind of blame shall breathe,/ But even his mother shall uncharge the practice/ And call it an accident.† ( Shakespeare IV VII 66-73). During this quote the story has progressed to which Claudius’ first plan to get hamlet killed has failed and Hamlet has come back from England. In these lines Claudius reveals that he is going to trick Hamlet to which will bring hamlet to hisShow MoreRelatedAPPEARANCE vs. REALITY IN THE PRINCE AND HAMLET1614 Words   |  7 Pages3. Reality and appearances, or if you prefer, being and acting, are important themes for both Machiavelli and Shakespeare. Why? How do their perspectives on this subject agree or differ? 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