In life people have a certain respect and admiration for their fathers. Those who have had their parents divorce and remarry often dislike the stepparent. We have seen examples of evil stepparents throughout time, from fairy tales, Cinderella and Snow White, to Chinese literature, to modern day soap operas on television. It is a natural characteristic to dislike someone who has taken the place of the biological parent. Shakespeare not only uses this natural feeling in Hamlet, but enhances the feeling of respect for one and hatred and revenge for the other. The text gives us evidence that Hamlet has great admiration for King Hamlet and vengefully despises his new stepfather, King Claudius. In act 1. sc. 1 we learn that King Hamlet is dead and may have returned as a ghost. Her death sets the stage for Hamlet's feelings towards his father and Claudius. In scene 2 the new king Claudius states to Hamlet "my cousin Hamlet and my son" referring to his mother's marriage to Claudius and the fact that he is now Claudius' stepson. (I ii 66) We see how Hamlet responds with some bitterness in his words stating “little more than kin and less than kind” and “I am too much in the sun”. (I ii 67, 69) The reference to this first statement is because Claudius is not only her uncle, but is now also her father, and that relationship is not right. With the second statement there is a hint of his respect and sorrow for his late father, and that Hamlet is like him. This admiration and respect is also shown by Hamlet's sorrow when he states that he wears "the garb of misfortune." (I ii 89) In the opening exchanges between Claudius and Hamlet we learn that the way Claudius speaks to Hamlet adds further dislike for his stepfather. The king speaks of Hamlet's pain as an "unmanly pain." He shows a very wrong will towards heaven,” completely ignoring Hamlet’