Hamlet Opinion free essay sample

The legal definitions of murder and manslaughter along with the events of the play show Hamlets true criminal culpability. The United States Code Title Eighteen defines murder as the intentional, premeditated, unlawful killing of another human being. This definition shows that Hamlet cannot be found guilty of murder. The killing of Polonium was In no way premeditated. Throughout the play Hamlet never expresses any thought or sign of wanting to kill Polonium; In fact Hamlets attitude toward Polonium shows that he views Polonium as a fool not worth his time.Act Two Scene Two demonstrates this attitude when Hamlet calls Polonium a great baby and treats him as a child. Another point depicting Hamlets lack of premeditation is in the events right before and after Poloniums death. The death takes place in the Queens closet as Hamlet speaks with his mother. Hamlet believes the two of them to be alone, and so he is very startled when he hears a cry from behind the arras. We will write a custom essay sample on Hamlet Opinion or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page After running his sword through the arras Hamlet exclaims in reply to his mothers question, what hast thou done? Nay, I know not. Is it the King? This shows that Hamlet himself was not sure as to what had happened because it happened so quickly and unexpectedly. Manslaughter is the unlawful killing of a human being without malice and a homicide which occurs without an intent to kill. Further subtopics define voluntary manslaughter as acting on an Impulse as with a sudden quarrel and In the heat of passion. This definition clearly describes Hamlets emotional and mental state during his talk with the Queen and during the death of Polonium.Hamlet is a very emotional character who is very upset about the murder of his father and the hasty remarriage of his mother. He brings all of this built up anger, confusion, and hurt to the discussion with the Queen. Just as Hamlet is on the verge of opening up all of these emotions to his mother Polonium makes a noise and In the heat of passion Is killed. The final distinction between murder and manslaughter is the presence of malice in the killing. If the act was committed without malice it is considered manslaughter as opposed to murder.Malice is evil design or a corrupt and wicked notion against someone and feeling a need to see others suffer. As Hamlet plans to avenge his fathers death he could have and should have felt some malice toward his Fathers murderer, the King; however he does not express any of these sentiments. Rather he anything, Ill have these players play something like the murder of my father before mine uncle. Ill observe his looks If he but blench I know my course. This demonstrates Hamlets desire for Justice, not a need to see others suffer. The differing definitions of murder and manslaughter are proof of Hamlets true culpability. While he should be held responsible for the death of Polonium, he should not be punished for murder; rather he is punishable for manslaughter, the accidental homicide. Hamlets lack of premeditation, malice, and intent to kill Polonium show his good character and temperament. He is not a common criminal; his thoughtful nature and desire for Justice illustrate a deeper Judgment that if possessed by more would benefit the world around us.