Hamlet's 'To Be or Not To Be' Essay

Submitted By youmakemesmileeXD

Words: 435

Pages: 2

Open Document

Hamlet’s first soliloquy provides a contrast with his controlled, eloquent dialogue with Claudius and the disgust and betrayal felt by his mother, Gertrude. This soliloquy is also reflective of Hamlet’s true aspect of character and also provides a foundation for the development of the central concerns of the play.
In the opening lines of the soliloquy, Hamlet is suicidal “O, that this too too solid flesh would melt, Thaw and resolve itself into a dew!” To him suicide is a desirable option compared to living in the painful world however this is quickly eliminated as it is forbidden by religion. These lines not only provide an insight into Hamlet’s current mental state but also introduces a central concern that is echoed throughout the play; suicide. It is considered multiple times throughout the play “To be, or not to be: that is the question” and his disgust towards his mother further resonates his suicidal thoughts and betrayal felt.
The soliloquy also sets up another concern that is resonated through the play, corruption. Corruption in Denmark is highlighted metaphorically by ‘an unweeded garden… things rank and gross in nature’, all beauty has been extracted from his country and this cumulative negative imagery can be juxtaposed by his beautiful imagery of death, further illustrating his desire for death. Another source of his depression stems from Claudius attempting to take on the role of his father and the juxtaposition of ‘Hyperion to a satyr’ instils Hamlet’s belief that Claudius is not worthy to be King and will always be half the man his father was, also foreshadowing the revelation of Claudius’ murder.
However Hamlet’s true cause of his depression lies with the dissatisfaction towards his mother Gertrude. He views his mother’s actions as a

Hamlet's Insanity

In the play Hamlet by William Shakespeare Hamlet’s crazy personality grows crazier as the play goes on. Though it is unclear if Hamlet is actually insane there are many suggestions such as “when Hamlet came in with no hat on his head, his shirt unbuttoned and hid his stocking dirty, undone” (II.i.188-189). Judging Hamlet by his action the audience can assume he is insane or at least somewhat crazy. In addition while discussing with the king Polonius argues “If now we agree Hamlet is crazy” (II.ii…

Words 247 - Pages 1

Hamlet's Flaws

Hamlet’s tragic flaw is his indecisiveness, which stems from his tendency to overthink. However, in my opinion, characters who overthink or put a lot of thought into their decisions are not disinclined to making questionable choices and reasoning. Hamlet asserts that he is feigning madness, yet he claims his madness is what wronged Laertes and not himself. The prince does not take responsibility for Polonius’s, and consequently Ophelia’s, death, but instead reasons that he is “of the faction that…

Words 343 - Pages 2

Hamlet's Dysthymia

hesitation in taking revenge on Claudius, his father’s murderer. These factors aid progressing the plot and dramatizing the play leading to its tragic ending. Foreshadowed from the beginning, Hamlet’s delay or hesitation comes as no surprise. Hamlet’s depressed state, as well as the introduction of the plot through Hamlet’s dead father’s ghost, serve as a warning sign of his later hesitation or delay to take revenge for his beloved father. These two things lock in stone the later events in the play that will…

Words 1039 - Pages 5

Hamlet's Lack Of Revenge

Hamlet is incapable to properly exact revenge. Narrow thinking, ignorance, and non-action force Hamlet to be incapable of revenge. He may have reached his goal, but he did so recklessly. Hamlet is impeded by his complete tunnel vision, and severe determination, making it impossible for him to execute revenge. The end goal is the only goal, and Hamlet does not allow things to get in his way. Completely ignoring his effect on others, Hamlet cares little for how his actions are affecting the people…

Words 580 - Pages 3

Hamlet's Insanity

guessing they don’t have any evidence yet, and I predict that Hamlet’s revenge will success. When Hamlet talks to Ophelia, he says somethings he does mean them. Some are the thoughts he has and the words he always want to say. When Hamlet acts mad, he actually expresses many personal thoughts in that way, make us to know what he is really thinks about the new King and his mother. King Claudius quickly finds out something wrong about Hamlet’s madness. He thinks Hamlet is mad, but the reason is not the…

Words 148 - Pages 1

Hamlet's Soliloquy

Hamlet’s first soliloquy is found in act 1, scene 2, 129-159, and it is here where Hamlet expresses his thoughts concerning his father’s death and the events following it. This soliloquy is essential because with no one around to hear him, he is able to express his genuine feelings and the reader is informed on what is causing his depression. At this point in the play, Hamlet is distraught over the passing of his father and infuriated by his mother’s decision to remarry his uncle so quickly. These…

Words 196 - Pages 1

Hamlet's Fault Essay

is the case for Prince Hamlet from William Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Prince Hamlet’s overpowering fault is that he is highly indecisive but despite this it can be said that Hamlet is a fascinating character. When one looks past this overpowering fault Hamlet can more prominently be seen as witty, scholarly, and philosophical. The first of these fascinating characteristics is Hamlet’s wit. William Shakespeare demonstrates Hamlet’s immense…

Words 1230 - Pages 5

Hamlet's Soliloquy Analysis

lighting, and props. In Branagh’s version, the scene took place in an open room symbolizing how easily others can burden Hamlet’s life. In his soliloquy, he states his burdens, “The oppressor’s wrong, the proud man’s contumely, The pangs of despised love, the law’s delay, The insolence of office, and the spurns” which linked to Ophelia and her false love, Claudius who murdered Hamlet’s father and took his crown, and Gertrude’s incestuous actions. This made Hamlet…

Words 537 - Pages 3

Women In Hamlet's Soliloquy

Hamlet’s negative view of women stems from his mother’s actions. In Hamlet’s soliloquy he says “O God, a beast that wants discourse of reason would have mourn’d longer-married with my uncle, My father’s brother-But no more like my father than I to Hercules” (I.ii.150-153) Hamlet also goes on to discuss his mother sleeping with his uncle and how much this upsets him, he talks about her “wicked speed” from crying at the funeral to jumping in bed with Claudius. After Hamlet talks to the ghost he has…

Words 125 - Pages 1

Hamlet's Soliloquy Meaning

The big issue in Hamlet’s soliloquy is he is unsure whether or not life is worth living. He claims life and death are uncertain. I think his claim is true because no really knows what happens after death. I also believe that life does not have a price on it so we should not try to give it one. Hamlet says, “To be or not to be (Act3, Scene 1, Pg., 3).” The meaning behind this is whether or not he should commit suicide. However I also believe it has a more significant meaning. It intertwines with…

Words 385 - Pages 2