Hamlet #7

After learning about his father's death, Laertes returns to Denmark to seek revenge for the murder. Claudius is made the original target for Laertes' revenge plot, but the King is quick to change the young man's mind. Claudius informs Laertes that Hamlet killed Polonius and the two men plot to kill the Prince. They plan to stage a recreational duel between Hamlet and Laertes where Laertes will "choose/A sword unbated, and in a pass of practice/Requite him for [his] father's murder" (IV.vii.137-139). The plotters assume that Hamlet will want to participate in a match against the renown Laertes, but they fail to realize that Hamlet does not trust anyone. He has been betrayed by everyone close to him: his mother, his best friends, and especially his uncle. It is not reasonable to assume that Hamlet will simply cooperate and duel a master swordsman when the suggestion to fight comes from someone who has already betrayed him. Additionally, Hamlet is already suspicious of Claudius because he knows that the King has been spying on him. Hamlet is wiser than any other character in the play, and he is not likely to fall for Claudius' set up.

Despite Hamlet's wit and intelligence, his character slowly changes as the play progresses. After encountering the rash Prince of Norway and learning about his pointless plan to attack Poland, Hamlet wonders why he cannot be driven like the Norwegian Prince. He is angry that he has not killed Claudius yet and declares, "My thoughts be bloody, or be nothing worth!" (IV.iv.65). Hamlet hopes to be more violent and emotionally driven in his actions in order to defend his honor. His declaration could prove to be problematic when he returns to Denmark because of Claudius' plan. Hamlet's orginial character would not fall into Claudius' trap, but an emotionally driven Hamlet could  easily be tricked. Hamlet's determination to become more rash could ultimately be the source of his downfall.