Hamlet and HoratioHoratio occupies the place of honor in Shakespeare's tragedy Hamlet, because he is the only character among the dramatis personae who is extremely close to the protagonist. Horatio's emotional bond with the hero is paradoxically closer than that of Hamlet's mother with the hero. This essay will examine the character of Horatio, Hamlet's most loyal friend. DG James's essay, "The New Doubt," explains the hero's passionate admiration for Horatio: But we must notice how Hamlet speaks of Horatio; he does so with words of passionate admiration. His election had sealed Horatio for himself, for in suffering everything, Horatio suffered nothing; and it is the man who is not the slave of the passion that he carries deep in his heart. How clearly he would be like Horatio! And yet, in the face of what happened, should he be like Horatio? or should he not take up arms against his troubles and put an end to them violently and perhaps thus himself? (45) In the Introduction to Twentieth-Century Interpretations of Hamlet, David Bevington shows insight into Horatio's character: Although Horatio's philosophical skepticism may limit his own ability to perceive these "things in heaven and on the earth” that Hamlet would like him to observe, Horatio remains the companion from whom Hamlet has the most to learn. Hamlet can trust his friend not to seek advancement or to reveal the terrible secret of the royal murder. Better still, Horatio is “Like one who suffers all that suffers nothing, A man whom Fortune scourges and rewards Has received with equal thanks.” » [. . .] Like Hamlet, Horatio believes that death is bliss and even attempts suicide. Yet he also accepts his duty “in this harsh worldly success… middle of paper……, 1992. Shakespeare, William. The tragedy of Hamlet, prince of Denmark. Massachusetts Institute of Technology. 1995. http://www.chemicool.com/Shakespeare/hamlet/full.htmlWest, Rebecca. “A Court and a world infected by the disease of corruption.” Readings on Hamlet. Ed. Don Nardo. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 1999. Rpt. of The Court and the Castle. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 1957. Wilkie, Brian and James Hurt. “Shakespeare.” Literature of the Western world. Ed. Brian Wilkie and James Hurt. New York: Macmillan Publishing Co., 1992. Wright, Louis B. and Virginia A. LaMar. “Hamlet: a man who thinks before he acts.” Readings on Hamlet. Ed. Don Nardo. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 1999. Rpt. from The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark. Ed. Louis B. Wright and Virginia A. LaMar. N.p. : Paperbacks, 1958.