Hamlet

861 Words2 Pages

In Shakespeare’s play, Hamlet, protagonist Hamlet, experiences many rises and falls throughout the play that have a major impact on his mentality decline. The way in which readers interpret the character, Hamlet, can vary in many ways. For instance, Hamlet delivers many soliloquies throughout the work, giving readers a better insight of his state of mind. Additionally, two significant soliloquies in both Acts II and III show a clear view of Hamlet’s mental and emotional state.

The soliloquies expressed by many characters throughout the play, signify a critical point within the plot or change of tone. For example, Hamlet’s monologue in (II.ii.563-622), he is justifying his actions, reaffirming himself that what he is planning to do to seek revenge for his father’s death, is the best thing to do. In this speech, Hamlet states, “Is it not monstrous that this player here,/ But in a fiction, in a dream of passion,/ Could force his soul so to his own conceit/That, from her working, all his visage wanned.(II.ii.565-568)” These lines can be inferred as Hamlet is questioning his own state of mind and validity of his plan. Hamlet is questioning how can a player, who acts out false emotions, can truly “catch the conscience of the King”(II.ii.622). However, he believes that the creativity exuded from the soul(II.ii,568), can effectively allow a player to perform as if they are real emotions. Hamlet’s only concern is seeking revenge for his father’s death done at the hands of his uncle, Claudius, who now has the throne. The plot of the play to parallel to the real death of King Hamlet, allowing Hamlet to make Claudius feel uncomfortable and guilty(II.ii.578). Also, in this monologue, Hamlet states that the ghost of his father may have actua...

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... instance, the speech in Act II can be seen as Hamlet’s concern with killing Claudius. Contrastingly, the speech in Act III can be seen as Hamlet just contemplating suicide. I do not believe that Hamlet is aware that Claudius and Polonius are hiding behind a tapestry during his monologue of Act III. Hamlet believes that he is truly alone and stating things that are true to his own thoughts. I believe that if Hamlet knew that Polonius and Claudius were near, he wouldn’t have stated those intimate thoughts and details of his strategic plan.

In conclusion, Shakespeare’s Tragedy of Hamlet, is a tale of misfortune and deceit. Hamlet’s soliloquies were significant to this play whereas they act as markers for readers to follow the action within the play. Also, the monologues give a insight to the mind of Hamlet, allowing readers to have a better understanding the play.

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