In Shakespeare's Hamlet, why didn't the prince become king?

Question

In most monarchies, when the king dies, his eldest son becomes king! "The King is dead. Long live the King!" But in Hamlet, at his death, the king's brother becomes king, not Prince Hamlet. Why? What's up with those Danish dogs?

Answer 1

Well, Denmark was historically an elector monarchy -- the king was chosen by the court, which is essentially how Claudius was able to pull off his nefarious plan.

But the play isn't really about monarchical succession. I mean, who cares who the king was? Shakespeare uses Hamlet to explore themes that affect people's lives no matter when they live or what their station in life is: love and friendship, madness, revenge, action vs. inaction, appearance vs. reality, the meaning of honor. This is why it endures.

Although . . . I suppose it would also be fair to say that Hamlet's about a bunch of pretty, privileged people who had everything, threw it all away, and ended up dead. So there's that. ;)

Answer 2

In Shakespeare's Hamlet, the reason why Prince Hamlet did not become king is that his father, King Hamlet, was murdered by his own brother, Claudius. After the murder, Claudius assumes the throne and becomes king. Prince Hamlet was not in a position to claim the throne because he was still young and had not yet reached the age of maturity required to assume the responsibilities of kingship. Moreover, he was preoccupied with his own personal issues, such as his grief over his father's death and his desire for revenge against his uncle.

In addition, Claudius manipulates the situation to his advantage by winning the support of the court and the people. He convinces them that he is the rightful king and presents himself as a strong and capable ruler. Hamlet, on the other hand, is seen as too emotional and unstable to rule. His behavior becomes more erratic as the play progresses, further undermining his claim to the throne.

Overall, the play suggests that the succession to the throne in Denmark is not solely based on hereditary right but also on political power and popular support. Claudius, through his cunning and manipulation, is able to secure the throne despite his dubious claim to it.