Can revenge be heroic?

Brian Kim 1st Period Mrs. Lukens Can revenge be heroic? Hamlet proves that revenge is heroic, despite it’s evil nature. Through the course of the book, Hamlet restores peace to his kingdom and balances the offenses of King Claudius. Still, Heroism is a matter of perspective and revenge is the action of one’s own justice onto another. What makes revenge heroic is the intent of the one who desires justice, not the aftermath. Hamlet demonstrates his heroism as his revenge begins as an attempt to preserve his fathers honor. His revenge begins heroic, however is later easily corrupted. It is learned, revenge is a never ending cycle and the true heros emerge to be the ones that forgive. Hamlet’s revenge was justified and therefore heroic. Nevertheless, the changes in him become evident and eventually detract from his righteousness. Hamlet appears to be crazy, although it is said to be merely an act to fool the king, even the reader is unable to distinguish his lunacy as Hamlet was truly blinded by revenge. The first sign of corruption is shown as Hamlet denies his love for Ophelia. Here it is seen, his desire to avenge his father overshadows his love for others. “Get thee to a nunnery. Why wouldst thou be a breeder of sinners?...”(act 3,sc.1), his revenge on Claudius manifests on his conversation with Ophelia. Revenge loses it’s heroism when it changes to hatred. Nevertheless, Hamlets retains his true feelings as he’d rather see Ophelia alone than with another man. Another corruption to heroism in revenge is shown when Hamlet kills Polonius. Hamlet’s revenge does not stop with murder; he now feels nothing and is willing to do whatever it takes to have his revenge. “A bloody deed - almost as bad, good mother, as kill a king and marry his brother”(act 3, sc.4), Hamlet’s revenge has turned evil, yet still portrayed as a justified, almost heroic evil. With all evils, revenge becomes a never ending cycle. This is shown, following the death of Polonius, in Ophelia. Hamlet’s rev