Hamlet's Speech in William Shakespeare's Play

Hamlet's Speech in William Shakespeare's Play

In the beginning of his speech, Hamlet appears to be frightened as he

says, “angels and ministers of grace defend us!” (1.iv.42). However,

he then gradually becomes at ease and proceeds to ask the ghost many

questions. Hamlet seems to be very brave, and speaks with such great

authority; with a bold and confident tone. This is evident in the way

in which he questions the ghost and is seen in the line “making night

hideous and we fools of nature so horridly to shake our disposition…”

(1.iv.57-58). Hamlet is extremely courageous as he is able to face the

ghost with such confidence and speak to it in such a fearless manner.

He also courageously accepts the ghost as his father, and this is seen

in the line “ I’ll call thee Hamlet, King, father, royal Dane.”

(1.iv.47-48). However, in this particular speech he appears to be

rather rational, as he does not assume that the ghost is his rather

immediately, for he draws out the possibilities that it could be

something disastrous. Hamlet is very inquisitive and proceeds to

continuously ask questions, interrogating the ghost without fear. He

seems very determined to find out why the ghost was there and would

even put himself at risk to do so, as the fact that he questions the

ghost in that manner might provoke the ghost. Also, Hamlet appears to

be religious, as he begins his speech by calling out to “ministers of

grace”(1.iv.42).

How does this speech relate to Horatio, Barnardo, and Marcellus’s

conversation in the first scene?

Hamlet’s speech relates to Horatio, Barnardo and Marcellus’s

conversation through many inquisitive questions.