Throughout the epic play Hamlet Shakespeare develops the idea that death is the primary source of character incentive and that death is related to the major decisions of the protagonists and antagonist. This is apparent in the story line and overall function of the main themes of the play. These main themes that are all stimulated by the idea of death and the afterlife are: honor, revenge, and tragedy.

The idea that death acts as a provocation for Hamlet choosing the honorable course of action is prevalent all the way through the play. The first, most prominent example of this can be seen in Act 1, Scene 2 when Prince Hamlet vows to avenge his father's (King Hamlet's) death. It is obvious that death is a motivating factor in Hamlet's choice which becomes the basis and primary source of conflict for the entire plot. Hamlet's decision results in honor because...