1. To secure the throne: Claudius, Hamlet's uncle, murdered King Hamlet to usurp the throne and marry Gertrude, Hamlet's mother. He feared that Hamlet, as the rightful heir, would eventually expose his crime and claim the throne for himself.
2. To protect himself: Claudius knew Hamlet suspected him of the murder. He was constantly worried about Hamlet's growing suspicion and the potential for revenge. By eliminating Hamlet, Claudius could ensure his own safety and remain in power.
In addition to these primary motivations, Claudius was also likely driven by a desire to:
* Maintain his reputation: Claudius wanted to be seen as a legitimate and powerful ruler, and Hamlet's presence threatened this image.
* Protect his marriage to Gertrude: Claudius felt threatened by Hamlet's feelings for his mother, which made him fear that Hamlet might try to overthrow him and reclaim his mother.
Ultimately, Claudius's desire for power and survival led him to plot Hamlet's murder, creating the tragic conflict at the heart of Shakespeare's play.