How does this theory explain or otherwise apply to Hamlet?
In Marxism, getting and keeping economic power is the motive behind all social and political activities. There are a few substantial examples of Marxism throughout Hamlet, one of them being the continuous tension between the dialogues of Hamlet and Claudius. Hamlet’s rhetoric conveys notions of the more lowly classes, as his dialogue shows him being rather respectful to those lesser than him and identifying the significance of things other than money and power in one's life. For example, Act 3, scene 2, line 61 shows Hamlet telling Horatio, “that no revenue hast but thy good spirits." This shows that Hamlet recognizes the worth of Horatio’s life because of his charm and happiness, rather than needing money to be happy and move forward. In addition to this, Hamlet also mocks those whose true motives of getting economic power (Claudius) rule their lives. An example of this is in Act 3, scene 2, lines 99-101 Hamlet is seen responding to Claudius in a sarcastic manner, saying, “Excellent, i' faith, of the chameleon’s dish. I eat the air, promise-crammed. You cannot feed capons so." Hamlet speaks to Claudius in a nonsensical, almost vulgar way, one which boldly clashes with Claudius’s more poised and elite language, saying “I have nothing with this answer, Hamlet. These words are not mine.” This is a reserved response to a vulgar claim. Overall, the king speaks in a more authoritarian, direct and “royal” manner, compared to Hamlet’s playful and sarcastic banter. This clash between the two verbal styles creates a socially charged energy throughout Hamlet, as the literary styles throughout the play and seen in the royal court seem to be constantly changing between the respectful and disrespectful. This clash between the vulgar and elite is still evident in the streets and in some cases even in courts today. Hamlet denounces Marxism, whereas Claudius reinforces it.
Another significant Marxist element in Hamlet is the character of Claudius himself. Claudius's killing of the king shows the struggles of the lower classes to move themselves up in the social hierarchy. Claudius will do absolutely anything to keep his new found power, and his murder of Hamlet's father proves to show to what lengths he will go to for wealth. Power itself seems to have a strong grip over Claudius, as he is willing to send his wife's son to England rather than have himself be dethroned for his previous actions.
Lastly, one of the most prominent Marxist elements in Hamlet is the parallel between Claudius and Hamlet's relationship and class struggles. It seems that as the tension builds between Claudius and Hamlet, the status of Fortinbras's nation seems to become less stratified as well. In the beginning of the play, the issues of Fortinbras’s nephew are briefly mentioned, while the conflict between Claudius and Hamlet begins to brew. Just as Hamlet is sent away from his home, a climactic scene in the play and a significant moment between Hamlet and Claudius, he runs into Fortinbras, who is fighting for land for his nation. Just as Hamlet has struggled against his now superior step-father, a nation is struggling against others. In this section of the play, Hamlet makes an extremely Marxist remark after having witnessed the struggles of Fortinbras and his people. Hamlet claims, “This is th' impostume of much wealth and peace, That inward breaks and shows no cause without Why the man dies” (Act 4 scene 4 lines 28-30). Hamlet directly denounces how wealth can destroy a nation, just as Marxists say capitalism can destroy a nation because it takes the focus away from the real issues of society.
Another significant Marxist element in Hamlet is the character of Claudius himself. Claudius's killing of the king shows the struggles of the lower classes to move themselves up in the social hierarchy. Claudius will do absolutely anything to keep his new found power, and his murder of Hamlet's father proves to show to what lengths he will go to for wealth. Power itself seems to have a strong grip over Claudius, as he is willing to send his wife's son to England rather than have himself be dethroned for his previous actions.
Lastly, one of the most prominent Marxist elements in Hamlet is the parallel between Claudius and Hamlet's relationship and class struggles. It seems that as the tension builds between Claudius and Hamlet, the status of Fortinbras's nation seems to become less stratified as well. In the beginning of the play, the issues of Fortinbras’s nephew are briefly mentioned, while the conflict between Claudius and Hamlet begins to brew. Just as Hamlet is sent away from his home, a climactic scene in the play and a significant moment between Hamlet and Claudius, he runs into Fortinbras, who is fighting for land for his nation. Just as Hamlet has struggled against his now superior step-father, a nation is struggling against others. In this section of the play, Hamlet makes an extremely Marxist remark after having witnessed the struggles of Fortinbras and his people. Hamlet claims, “This is th' impostume of much wealth and peace, That inward breaks and shows no cause without Why the man dies” (Act 4 scene 4 lines 28-30). Hamlet directly denounces how wealth can destroy a nation, just as Marxists say capitalism can destroy a nation because it takes the focus away from the real issues of society.