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How Does Steinbeck Present Claudius's Fear Of Corruption

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How Does Steinbeck Present Claudius's Fear Of Corruption
The King’s Fear: An Analysis of Hamlet’s Claudius American author, John Steinbeck once said “Power does not corrupt. Fear corrupts... perhaps the fear of a loss of power.” The theme of corruption is demonstrated in Hamlet by a series of events that lead to devastating decay. The “beginning of the end” is caused by Claudius, the present king of Denmark, Gertrude’s new spouse, and Hamlet’s uncle. Claudius is an intelligent antagonist whose Machiavellian plan of fratricide and his thirst for power drives Shakespeare’s tragedy. His powerful ability to manipulate brings Hamlet to insanity, but also brings short-term peace to the kingdom of Denmark. Critics argue that this trait would not leads to Claudius’ demise if it were not for Hamlet. However, Claudius’ own fear of his corruption being exposed destroys his facade of a capable king and ultimately leads his downfall. As he assumes his brother’s throne, Claudius displays a personality that is not one of a tyrant, but rather a compassionate and diligent man. In “Outrageous Fortune” by Olaf Loske, Loske praises Claudius’ solemn eulogy of the late King Hamlet in Act I, scene II, declaring that with this speech “emerges a King who is well qualified for his office” (Loske, 79) He inspires the idea …show more content…
In “Hamlet in Pieces” by Andy Lavender, Claudius is described as "calm, reasonable, decisive," yet a small play scares. Claudius showed no aspects of the Machiavellian he was originally thought to be after he is shaken up by Hamlet’s little show. Instead, he hastily orders the death of Hamlet. Rather than slaying Hamlet himself, Claudius has others attempt to do so. Perhaps this is so because he needs everyone, including Gertrude, to perceive him as a good king. The murder of her son by her husband's hand would cause unrest in Gertrude. Claudius could not lose one of his key aspects for stealing the throne in the first
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