Shakespeare depicts honor as the main theme in his Hamlet. Different symbols of honor are portrayed through the characters Hamlet and Laertes. Various conflicting situations arise in the constant struggle to obtain power and control, rather than true leadership and loyalty. Family loyalty is the primary source of madness and betrayal that evolves into battle. These major characters become obsessed with honor, but each individual views the concept of honor differently; therefore, the true meaning of honor is yet to be discovered. A deeper analysis shows that man's struggle to prove his honor is the greatest journey to self-discovery and includes viewing opposing sides of human nature. Shakespeare reveals the many faces of honor through these four characters.
In view of opposing sides of human nature, Hamlet also struggles with his inner self. He is grief-stricken by his father’s death and when he is faced with the truth; this tragic fate unleashes many unresolved feelings of madness. His friends see a ghostly figure throughout the beginning of the play, and notice how it resembles Hamlet’s dead father. Hamlet finally sees the ghost and speaks to him. He discovers the ghost is his father who seeks justice. His father enlightens Hamlet of the unlawful murder that his uncle, Claudius, who is now king, committed against him, and he wants vengeance. Hamlet is infuriated by the truth, and sets out to honor his father’s wishes. He despises his mother and uncle for their incestuous relationship. Hamlet confesses, “ O most pernicious woman! / O villain, villain, smiling, damned villain! / My tables-meet it is I set it down / That one may smile, and smile, and be a villain. / At least I am sure it may be so in Denmark.”(I. v. 105-9). Family loyalty is also at stake here, and Hamlet manipulates those around him to reveal the truth. This mad behavior makes Claudius and his people spy on Hamlet; however, Hamlet is competent in his goal, and tortures Claudius slowly by...