Introduction
The relationship between Hamlet and Horatio can be interpreted in many different ways. In the play, Hamlet seems to trust Horatio more than any other person. It makes Hamlet confide to Horatio in a personal way and makes it known to him that his madness is an act. As the play progresses, one understands why they would need a friend like Horatio. He is protective and loyal to Hamlet, and he offers counsel and advice relentlessly to his lord. This paper will analyze the character of Horatio and what makes one admire having a friend like him.
Horatio Loyalty
Horatio is also extremely loyal to Hamlet, making him an admirable friend. He protects Hamlet from knowing about the ghost as he deems it a distraction, but after seeing it with his own eyes, he immediately decides to notify his friend. He offers advice to Hamlet not to challenge the ghost as it would drive him to madness. He is the friend that one would want to keep them out of trouble by ensuring one does not do something that they might regret. Fate is something observed throughout the play, but Horatio is not affected by dangerous hands. His consistency and enduring make him different from Hamlet, who is full of flaws.
In the play, Horatio and Hamlet's relationship seems to be so one-sided as only Hamlet benefits from his friendship with Horatio. It makes Horatio a good friend that everyone would want as he does not make Hamlet feel like he owes him anything. Considering that Horatio is from a lower class than Hamlet, he would want some benefits from Hamlet. However, he supports Hamlet in every way possible emotionally, rationally, and with unwavering loyalty. Horatio is also a good friend as he is not drawn to anything. He compliments the weaknesses of Hamlet by ensuring he advises him to make all the right decisions.
Being in the royal court, Horatio ensures that he is not drawn to the play that Hamlet sets to “catch the conscience of a king” (Hui 152). He keeps enough distance and watches by the sidelines, which allows him to offer honest and valuable advice to his friend Hamlet. Another reason that one needs a friend like Horatio is to calm them and prevent them from acting irrationally. In many instances, the madness of Horatio seems to increase whenever Horatio is not around. For example, in the scene with Ophelia, Hamlet's madness got out of hand, and at this moment, Horatio is not around (Hui 167).
Conclusion
In conclusion, Horatio's presence made Hamlet calm, as observed when he was dealing with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. After the death of Hamlet, Horatio ensures that he delivers his message. He has no time to mourn and process his feelings. It is such strength that shows how deep their friendship was. He wanted to die with his friend, but Hamlet prevents him from committing suicide, which shows so that he can live to tell the story of Hamlet to all who wanted to hear it.
