claudius ene alpha oft

was claudius actually a good king?? did hamlet really have to ‘save’ denmark??

• Claudius is argued to be a more effective ruler due to his political acumen, ability to maintain order, and strategic diplomacy. Despite his moral failings, he is capable of managing state affairs and handling the court.
• Hamlet is seen as a poor choice for king because his primary focus is on personal revenge and existential doubts rather than governance. His indecision, erratic behavior, and preoccupation with avenging his father's murder make him less fit to rule effectively.

Just how did Claudius manage to gain the throne and not Prince Hamlet?

Exactly why Claudius succeeded Hamlet's father is not explained. Hamlet does refer to "the election", indicating that the new king has been chosen by his noblemen. This appears to be the case because the King of Norway is also succeeded by his brother, rather than Fortinbras, his son. We see this again in Scotland, when Macbeth is elected king. It could also be that Denmark practiced matrilineal descent, and Claudius became king simply because he married the queen.

taking into account this paragraph (which i found here), we must ask ourselves; why would the noblemen of denmark vote for claudius if he was an incompetent king?

Claudius, despite his nefarious means of ascending to the throne, demonstrates political skill and stability. He can manage state affairs, keep the court in line, and navigate diplomatic challenges, which are critical qualities for a ruler.

On the other hand, Hamlet’s focus is primarily on avenging his father and grappling with his own philosophical and existential concerns. His indecision and emotional turmoil make him an unlikely candidate for effective kingship. His actions are driven more by personal revenge than by any desire to govern or improve Denmark.

This argument aligns with the broader themes of the play, emphasizing that effective leadership often requires more than just a strong moral stance—it also needs practical skills and a focus on governance. Hamlet’s personal quest for revenge, while justified in his eyes, doesn’t necessarily translate to good leadership.

however, as seen with julius caesar, a bad moral compass may lead to a tyrannous ruling.