Hamlet Horatio Relationship

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Often in plays and novels there is a character whose overall role is to manipulate the audience's’ view of a character or situation. In many cases this character becomes somewhat of a friend to the audience itself. William Shakespeare places in the character of Horatio as Hamlets confidant. With so many characters turning evil or deceitful the audience looks for that one character that stands by his morals and values. Hamlet’s constant badgering of both Gertrude and Ophelia begins to turn the audience against him. But because of Horatio, Hamlet's character is seen in a sympathetic light to the readers. The close relationship between the two, allows the audience to see that Hamlet has the ability to love and bond with those around him. Horatio and Hamlet’s bond was noticed by the readers from the beginning of the play. Their connection is also clearly seen when both of them are able tease…show more content…
Horatio embodies the faithful friend. Horatio supports every rash decision Hamlet makes and he has the ability to keep his composure during difficult situations. The fact that Horatio seems to plainly and clearly speak his mind also acts as a foil to hamlet and his uncertain mind. Hamlet understands that Horatio is intelligent, but not driven by his intellectual imagination. Horatio accepts the world as it comes to him where as Hamlet is driven by pure impulse and vengeance. Horatio’s love for Hamlet is so great that he would rather die by his own sword or drink the same poison as Hamlet than live on after Hamlet's death. The only true affection and love Hamlet demonstrates is directed toward Horatio in his request that Horatio stay alive to tell his story. For Hamlet, entrusting the task to Horatio declares his love better than placing Horatio into any of his poems or philosophies. Action has at last spoken louder than words. Hamlet’s constant lack of trust is broken only for
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