Why does Hamlet want to leave Elsinore?

Answer 1

Execution as alternative punishment is the reason why Theban King Oedipus wishes to leave Thebes. Albeit unknowingly, Oedipus murders his father and his sovereign, Theban King Laius. Equally unknowingly, he marries his own mother, Theban Queen Jocasta.

Once these offenses against the gods and the Thebans are discovered, Oedipus must be punished by execution or exile. So if he wants to stay in Thebes, he faces the carrying out of the death sentence for his crimes. The only way that he can live is departure from his hometown.

Answer 2

Although at the beginning of the play Claudius insists that Hamlet stay at the Danish court, despite his objections, by Act 4, he is insistent that Hamlet leave for England. He decides this as early as Act 3 Scene 1, where he explains "haply the seas, and countries different with variable objects shall expell this something settled matter from his heart." In short, a rest cure. After Polonius's death, the matter becomes more urgent. In Act 4 Scene 3 he says, "How dangerous it is that this man goes loose! Yet must not we put the strong law on him; he's loved of the distracted multitude." So because Hamlet is a danger to him, and too popular to be brought to trial for his murder, Claudius must get him out of the country. What is more, he ultimately concludes, Hamlet must die, and must die in England, away from the "distracted multitude" and his mother, who would raise difficulties if Claudius had him killed in Denmark.

Answer 3

Since Hamlet didn't become King, he sees no point in staying, and he wants to go back to school in Wittenberg. Apparently he doesn't have his degree yet.

Answer 4

Because he thinks the love of his life is dead and he can't live without her

and he wants to be with her forever and so he thinks that is the only way they can be together.

Answer 5

To keep an eye on him.