A Machiavellian Perspective on Shakespeare's Hamlet .
This piece is a 4-page, 3-source analysis of Shakespeare's "Hamlet" in Machiavellian terms. The assignment is to either take a Christian or Machiavellian analysis of Hamlet's actions. The author's thesis, instead of jumping on one side or the other, includes both; the argument presented is that while Hamlet's goal of redeeming his dead father's soul is ultimately Christian, his means of doing so are Machiavellian. The author argues this point of view by first giving an overview of Machiavellian philosophy, then showing how Hamlet's actions and words evidence a consistency with that. The author closes by discussing how the play's final act culminates in actions both Christian and Machiavellian. 4 pgs. Bibliography lists 3 sources.
