This might not be a “big” theme of Hamlet (such as Death or Madness or Betrayal), but I’d really like to talk about my boy Horatio: the only decent, redeemable, sane character (feel free to disagree). I like to label this type of character as the “little big role” (yes that is an oxymoron). He’s you’re classic Alfred Pennyworth or Dr. Watson: the voice of reason, the loyal friend, the sidekick. Some may argue that Horatio’s character is minor and he does not go through your typical character evolution, but that’s the point. His stability contradicts Hamlet’s (debatable) insanity and instability. But he is also the very reason why many people can argue that Hamlet is not completely mad. Through Horatio, Hamlet’s meeting with the ghost gains credibility. Hamlet is prone to talk endlessly about his plans for destruction, his cowardice, his messed up family (basically any type of soliloquy you can think of). Everything that comes out of his mouth during these times allows the reader to decide whether they believe what he’s saying is justifiable. However, by conversing with Horatio every so often, it sort of brings Hamlet’s character back to reality, as well as our opinions. Horatio is a loyal friend who believes in Hamlet, therefore the reader (probably subconsciously) is given permission to believe in Hamlet if they so wish. When Hamlet talks to Horatio, he is talking to a man that Hamlet knows loves and cares for him, therefore the reader gains insight into Hamlets true feelings.

But why does Hamlet choose Horatio to be his confidant?

  • Horatio keeps his cool.
    • Horatio is calm and rational when he sees the ghost, even going to far as to confront this understandably scary apparition.
    • “O, speak! Or if thou hast uphoarded in thy life Extorted treasure in the womb of earth… Speak of it, stay and speak!”
  • Hamlet admires certain qualities in Horatio that he himself does not possess
    • “Horatio, thou art e’en as just a man/As e’er my conversation cop’d withal”
      • Horatio has self-control, his sense of self is strong, and he is virtuous.
    • Hamlet knows that he feels everything. If a robot is on one end of the emotional spectrum, Hamlet is on the other. He even laments this quality when he says, “and blest are those
      Whose blood and judgment are so well commedled
      That they are not a pipe for fortune’s finger
      To sound what stop she please. Give me that man
      That is not passion’s slave, and I will wear him
      In my heart’s core, ay, in my heart of heart,
      As I do thee.”

      • We can assume that Hamlet could be talking about his great friend Horatio and others like him, since he has stated before that he admires Horatio for his self-control. Hamlet realizes that some (and Horatio) have freedom from emotional turmoil, unlike him. Horatio does feel deeply, and cares a lot for his friend Hamlet, but he does not allow his emotions to overrule. Hamlet however is “passion’s slave” (there is no doubt about that).
    • In Hamlet’s final moments, he wants Horatio to be the one to live on and tell his story
      • Here we see Horatio’s devotion to Hamlet, because he is willing to commit the act of suicide. Horatio does not want to live in the world without his friend. Some may say “Hey, isn’t this an example of Horatio not being resolute, level-headed, or self-controlled?” However, even by deciding that he would rather die than go on without Hamlet, he is not acting unstable and has not become “passion’s slave.” Rather, he would do it out of a sense of honor and duty.

What do you think? Do you think Horatio has a big role in Hamlet? Is he important at all? Do you think Hamlet would have acted differently without someone he could talk to?