Horatio has several Key Purposes in Hamlet
Horatio has several Key Purposes in HamletIn Shakespeare’s masterpiece Hamlet, of all the major characters, Horatio alone stands amid the death and carnage at the end to tell Hamlet’s real story. His honesty and loyalty towards Hamlet is evident throughout the play.
In the same way, Horatio has several key purposes in the play.
Firstly, Horatio is a foil to Hamlet and the other characters. Unlike Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, Horatio is a true friend and actually helps Hamlets instead of betraying him. For instance, when Hamlet asks Horatio to observe the king’s reaction during the play. Another noteworthy contrast between Horatio and Hamlet is through the way they think. Hamlet lacks self-control, unlike Horatio who handles his contained emotions very well. Several characters are dishonest to Hamlet, but Horatio is exceptionally trusting. Thus when he swears to keep the promise of the sighting of the Ghost. After all, through these examples Horatio proves himself to be a foil to various characters.
In addition, Horatio often helps reveal background information. Especially in the opening scene he provides information on the duel between Hamlet Sr. & the King of Norway. He also explains how Fortinbras wants to regain the land his father had once lost. Again in the play, Horatio informs the Queen that Ophelia has gone mad. Also, at the end of the play Horatio agrees to tell the story of what really happened, but postpones the actual narration. Indeed, Horatio is a real asset to the novel because of the information that he constantly provides.
Also, Horatio adds a lot of suspense to the play. Likewise, in the opening scene of the play, he witnesses the Ghost sighting with Marcellus and Barnardo. In Act I, scene IV, Horatio witnesses the Ghost sighting once again. This time he witnesses it with Hamlet and Marcellus. During the play that Hamlet had arranged Horatio is asked to observe the king’s actions. After he notices the odd behavior that the king shows, he is certain that Hamlet is telling the truth. Unquestionably, another surprising incident occurs when Horatio receives the letter from Hamlet. The letter provides surprise and creates suspense for the audience. Certainly the play would be much duller if it was not for Horatio.
Finally, Horatio helps Hamlet reveal his character traits. Again Hamlet displays that he is suspicious when Horatio tells him about the Ghost sighting. Likewise, in the graveyard, Hamlet expresses to Horatio his sad thoughts, which points out that Hamlet is mournful. Obviously when Hamlet explains to Horatio about the new commission he wrote, it is evident that hamlet is vengeful and patient. Shortly after that, Hamlet tells Horatio that he still has respect for Laertes. This demonstrates that he is fair-minded and sportsmanlike. Certainly without Horatio, Hamlet would not have opened up and expressed his deepest feelings.
In conclusion, it is remarkably noticeable that Horatio certainly has several key purposes in the brilliant play. Especially since he stays alive to expose the truth.