Murder most foul, as in the best it is, but this most foul, strange, and unnatural

Murder most foul, as in the best it is, but this most foul, strange, and unnatural

In William Shakespeare's play "Hamlet," the line "Murder most foul, as in the best it is, but this most foul, strange, and unnatural" is spoken by the ghost of King Hamlet to his son, Prince Hamlet. This line sets the tone for the rest of the play, as it introduces the central theme of murder and revenge.

The murder of King Hamlet by his brother Claudius is indeed a foul act, as all murders are. However, what makes this particular murder so heinous is the fact that it was committed by someone so close to the victim. Claudius not only killed his own brother but also married his widow, Queen Gertrude, and seized the throne for himself. This betrayal of family and trust adds an extra layer of depravity to the crime.

The ghost describes the murder as "strange and unnatural," highlighting the twisted nature of Claudius's actions. It is not just the act of murder itself that is unnatural, but the entire situation surrounding it. The ghost's use of the word "strange" suggests that there is something abnormal and unsettling about the circumstances of the murder.

Throughout the play, Prince Hamlet grapples with the idea of avenging his father's murder. He is torn between his duty to his father and his own moral compass. The ghost's words haunt him, reminding him of the foulness of the crime and the need for justice to be served.

Ultimately, "Hamlet" is a tragedy that explores the consequences of murder and revenge. The play delves into the complexities of human nature and the destructive power of violence. The line "Murder most foul, as in the best it is, but this most foul, strange, and unnatural" encapsulates the dark and twisted world of the play, where betrayal and bloodshed reign supreme.