Motifs of Hamlet

Hamlet and Laertes sword fighting.

What is a Jacobean Revenge Tragedy?

The main character seeks revenge on the murderer of a relative or friend. The action was often precipitated by a ghost returning to a descendant or friend, who promises to exact retribution. The genre usually combined violent and sensational action with intense meditations on the morality of revenge.

Act V, Scene ii

"Hamlet: Come, for the third, Laertes: you but dally;

I pray you, pass with your best violence;
I am afeard you make a wanton of me."

Act I, Scene v

"Ghost: If thou didst ever thy dear father love—

Hamlet: O God!

Ghost: Revenge his foul and most unnatural murder."

This play is a Jacobean Revenge Tragedy. These plays include exotic potions, sword fights, the supernatural, revenge, and death; all of which are in Hamlet. The first quote I used embodies a component of this type of tragedy because it is Hamlet provoking Laertes during the sword fight. The second quote I used is clearly about revenge since the word is directly said. In this quote the ghost tells Hamlet to avenge his death by killing his murderer which also embodies what a Jacobean Revenge Tragedy is.