There are several reasons for Hamlet's
indecisiveness.
To understand the complexity of Hamlet, it
is necessary to understand the world of the play, Hamlet's world which is Roman
Catholic. It is also a world where he is obligated (much like Orestes) to avenge his
father's murder.
He is told about the murder by the ghost
of his father. The question for Hamlet is, is it really his father or the devil
tempting him into committing a mortal sin, and thus condemning himself to hell? Before
Hamlet avenges his father's death, he must be certain that what he was told is the
truth. Until he is certain, he must wait.
When he comes
upon Claudius in prayer (or so he thinks) he cannot kill him since this would send his
soul to heaven. Hamlet also knows that once he does kill Claudius he has sealed hs own
fate. Hamlet must wait and find a way of doing what society demanded, avenging his
father's death and not lose his own soul in the process. I would think that would make
anybody think twice.
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