There are many differences between the Kings Hamlet and Claudius with very few
similarities. Perhaps the similarities stop at being the product of the same
mother and father or even being each others brother. The reasons for these
differences can only be speculated. Assuming that each had the same education
and proper parenting one can only assume that living in Hamlets shadow Claudius
grew cold and bitter and jealous. Perhaps by examining the differences we could
discover the reason why each are so different. The first obvious difference is
that Hamlet was a fighter, a nationalist, a patriot, working for the expansion
and prosperity of his country. Claudius seems to prefer the life of luxury and
luster associated with being a King. He feels that democracy is the key to the
countries preservation. Hamlet also loved his wife and son with a enthusiasm
that carried beyond the grave. He asked his son to forgive the sins of his
mother in the retribution of his murder. He also thought his son meritorious of
the position of being the king of Denmark in spite of his age Claudius didn’t
love his wife or Hamlet though he married her and said that he would love Hamlet
as a son. It isn’t believable because of his refusal to let Hamlet go back to
school and the time spent in the incestuous sheets with Hamlets widow couldn’t
have been enough to permit love. Moreover Hamlet was very candid and straight
forward in speech. He says what he means, and means what he feels. Claudius
antithetically speaks more cunningly leaving much unsaid and implied.
Ultimately, Hamlet being the aggressive, passionate, honest man makes him a more
appropriate leader than his democratic, power hungry, crafty brother Claudius.
It seems easily possible that Claudius was jealous of his brothers power and
passion, and therefore wanted it himself.