What are the significant problems Hamlet faces in carrying out the task the ghost has given him? In the first place, how does Hamlet know he can trust the ghost? Is this really the ghost of his dead father? How can Hamlet be sure? Its crucial after all! So, verifying the ghost’s identity is critical. How on earth is a young prince supposed to do that?

He’s being asked to kill the King! Hamlet is called to “revenge” but in reality its still murder. There will be political consequences. Who will succeed? How will Hamlet come out of this? How will this affect the “health” of the nation? There are moral considerations. Issues of right and wrong.

Hamlet is personally unsuited to violent action He’s a scholar, not a killer. Hamlet knows he’s no warrior! He says that Claudius is no more like his late father than he himself is like Hercules. He’s a philospoher, a man of learning. He reproaches himself for his lack of passion in fulfilling his father’s command. Note how he compares himself with the actor – who has no motive other than to act! Hamlet is a thinker. The more he thinks about something, the less likely he is to do it. He says as much in the “To be or not to be” speech. Hamlet is a rennaisance prince, not a medieval avenger

What about moral balance? The act of revenge should be proportionate to the offence originally committed. Once the violence begins, how can Hamlet be sure only the guilty will suffer? Or will events take on a life of their own and spiral out of control, like a snowball gathering momentum?

Hamlet is isolated, apart from Horatio, he has no allies at all. He can’t go to his mother, he’s estranged from her. He can’t go to his ‘girlfriend’ Ophelia. She’s dumped him, on Polonius’ orders. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, Hamlet’s one- time friends have become spies for the king! He’s on his own!! This obviously puts an enormous strain on an already emotionally fragile prince!!

We would not be out of place to wonder….. Could shakespeare have made things any more difficult for Hamlet? Was Hamlet ever supposed to actually have a chance?