Essay Database

Courage by definition is "state or quality of mind and or spirit that enables one to face danger, fear, or vicissitudes with self-possession, confidence, and resolution; bravery,"(Word Dictionary). In William Shakespeare's play Hamlet, we compare and contrast the two characters, Claudius and Hamlet, and study how each does and does not portray courage. By comparing Claudius and Hamlet we can see that courageous traits each held according to our world impression and according to …

…own downfall. Although Shakespeare does not write down directly what he believes makes a courageous man, he gives us a clear indication of what courage is not through Claudius and Hamlet. Courage is not deterred by any means of distraction, courage does not procrastinate, and courage does not deceive. From this we can decipher what qualities Shakespeare believes are a part of a courageous man's life. A courageous man shows honor, respect, honesty, and integrity.