Power Struggle

The power struggle between Claudius and Hamlet is only established within Act I. It is introduced and given foundation, but that is the extent of the development.

Hamlet’s aside introduces the power struggle. After a seemingly warm welcome by his uncle, Hamlet speaks this aside, “A little more than kin, and less kind,” which breathes context into the conversation; the audience is aware of how ill-received Claudius’ father-son comments are to Hamlet. Continuing through the dialogue, best described as Claudius lecturing to Hamlet, the foundation of the power struggle between the two characters begins to appear. Claudius is asserting himself as Hamlet’s new father figure. As the new King, and Hamlet’s father, Claudius wants Hamlet to stop grieving, and not go to Wittenberg.

Hamlet fights the king and queen in regards to the length of his grieving period. The fact that the new king is so concerned about his predecessor being grieved as an expression of Hamlet’s “sweet and commendable” nature presents insecurity in Claudius. Said insecurity feeds into the power struggle, setting Claudius as a character in need of constant control and self-gratification.

However, Hamlet gives into Claudius’ control and his mother’s wishes for Hamlet to stay with them and not go to Wittenberg. Thus, the instance increases breadth of the foundation of the power struggle. Hamlet is picking his battles, as well as acting on what little remaining respect he has for his mother and her requests. His choice is like a defensive chess move, just keeping a neutral battlefield for the moment.

After Hamlet’s interaction with his father’s ghost, his previous decision increases in prudence. If he had acted too soon on his feelings of disgust to his uncle and mother’s “incestuous” behaviors, he wouldn’t be in a proper position to avenge his father’s murder. Claudius, though ever-suspicious due to his insecurities, has not been given explicit reason to suspect Hamlet. At the end of Act I, the power struggle leans in favor of Hamlet, because he is in position to strike, he is motivated, passionate and has devout followers in Horatio, Marcellus, and Bernardo. Claudius has not been given such loyalties – at least not in Act I. Instead, he is disadvantaged believing that Hamlet is compliant to his reign. “This gentle and unforced accord of Hamlet [to stay at home],” falsely reassures him. In conclusion, the power struggle is established, advantages are set, but the actual struggle is yet to ensue.