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Stephen Liu

Mr. Campos

Writing

21 February 2024

Friendship

In the tragic play Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, one of William Shakespeare's most popular

plays, friendship is one of the most important themes, perhaps due to murder, revenge, anger, and

old family drama. "Not my maid, friend, I'll change that name for you." This line demonstrates

Hamlet's relationship with his friend Horatio. Despite the differences in their relationship,

Hamlet sees Horatio as an equal and trustworthy partner, not just a servant. This shows Hamlet's

appreciation for true friendship and his desire to advance Horatio's right from his heart.

The friendship between Hamlet and Horatio is super important in the drama. Hamlet

trusts Horatio and tells him everything, like his secret plans and how he is feeling. He knows he

can count on Horatio for advice and support whenever he needs it; on the other hand, Horatio is

always there for Hamlet, no matter any circumstances they come across. Hamlet and Horatio

stick together even when things get scary or uncertain. Their friendship is like a shining light in a

world full of lies and betrayal. While Hamlet faces deceit and backstabbing from other people,

such as his own mother, Queen Gertrude, and his old friends, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, he

knows he can always rely on Horatio.

The theme of friendship in "Hamlet" resonates strongly in the 21st century, as it did in

Shakespeare's time. Despite the play being set in a different era with different social norms, the

complexities and dynamics of friendship portrayed in Hamlet are timeless and relatable to

modern audiences. In today's world, genuine friendship is still characterized by loyalty and trust,
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just as it is depicted in Hamlet. People value friends who are reliable, honest, and supportive,

much like the unwavering loyalty that Horatio demonstrates towards Hamlet throughout the play.

Friendship is like a super strong and important thing in life, which helps us deal with tough

situations, such as when we don't agree with our friends or when someone hurts us. When life

gets hard, having good friends feels like finding a bunch of precious jewels in a treasure chest.

Each friend to me is like a shiny gem that makes our lives way better.

Friendship is about finding someone who gets you, lifts you, and makes you happy. Like

good stories, true friendships have both good times and tough moments where everyone sticks

together no matter what. Friends might not always agree, but they care about each other and

work things out. Real friends are there for you when things get tough, cheering you on when

things go well, and giving you a hand when you need it. They bring joy and depth to our lives,

sharing laughter, and secrets, and helping when things get rough. Being a good friend also means

taking care of yourself and others, listening, being kind, and sticking by each other. By doing

these things, we build strong connections that make life better and last a lifetime. We all should

experience a nice true friendship sometimes in our lives. Maybe not at a young age due to the

reason that we are still in the process of maturing, but at an older age where we have learned

from past mistakes and matured things could get better.

In summary, the friendship theme in "Hamlet" teaches us about the power of sticking

together through thick and thin. Shakespeare's depiction of Hamlet and Horatio's strong bond

shows us the value of loyalty, trust, and having someone to rely on. Even in today's complex

world, where relationships can be tricky, we can find comfort and support in the friendships that

enrich our lives. Hamlet reminds us that true friends are there for us when life gets tough, and
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they remind us of our shared humanity. Therefore, let's cherish those friendships that make life

better and help us navigate its challenges.