This three page graduate paper examines the concept of ideal rule in Shakespeare's plays, Hamlet and The Tempest. The author notes that in determining who should rule in William Shakespeares plays, Hamlet and The Tempest, prevailing standards of morality, justice, and political tradition must be applied, for they are the only objective means of establishing the legitimacy of rule and the characteristics of an ideal ruler. In Hamlet, Claudius acted immorally and unjustly by murdering the king and usurping the throne, while in The Tempest, Prosperos brother acted immorally and unjustly by seizing the dukedom from Prospero and setting himself on the throne in his stead.
