Hamlet: Character Revealed Through Soliloquies
In the great tragedy, Hamlet, William Shakespeare has the tragic hero go through many character phases throughout the play. Shakespeare does so by revealing Hamlets character through his soliloquies. In each soliloquy, Hamlets character gradually changes, which helps create the plot in this tragic five-act play.
In Hamlets first soliloquy, Hamlet grieves over the death of his father, the former king of Denmark. Hamlet shows his sensitivity and love for his father during this soliloquy. Hamlet says, But two months deadnay, not so much, not two. So excellent a king (1.2.142-43). Also in this soliloquy, Hamlet vents his disagreement with his mothers marriage with his uncle Claudius, the new king of Denmark, which occurred one month after King Hamlets death. Hamlet is upset by this, and he implies that his mother is nave and betraying. Hamlet says, why she, even she (O God, a beast that wants discourse of reason would have mourned longer!), married with my uncle (1.2.153-56). Hamlet uses comparison in this soliloquy, further showing his love for his father and how superior he is to King Claudius. This is proven when Hamlet says So excellent a king, that was to this Hyperion to satyr (1.2.157-58). Even though Hamlet is in disagreement with the marriage of his mother and uncle, he still shows respect towards them both. He states, It is not, nor it cannot come to good. But break, my heart, for I must hold my tongue (1.2.163-64).
In Hamlets second soliloquy Hamlet illustrates his determination to avenge his fathers death. Prior to this soliloquy, Hamlet discovers that Claudius is responsible for murdering his father from the ghost of King Hamlet. Hamlet shows his determination by making King Hamlets vengeance his top priority. For example, Hamlet says, Yea, from the table of my memory Ill wipe away all trivial, fond records, all saws of books, all forms, all pressures past, that youth and observation copied there (1.5.105-108). This quote further verifies that Hamlet will avenge his fathers death by any means necessary. Hamlet also shows his first sense of hatred towards his uncle. He says, O villain, villain, smiling, damned villainthat one may smile and smile and be a villain (1.5.113-15). Hatred is illustrated by this quote; not only from Hamlet naming Claudius as a villain, but from Hamlets frequent mentioning of Claudius smiling. From this, Hamlet believes that one that has committed a crime, such as Claudius, does not deserve to be happy.
In the third soliloquy, Hamlet rebukes himself for showing an inadequate amount of concern for avenging his fathers death in comparison with a players grief over a fictional character. Hamlet says, Tears in his eyes, distraction in his aspect, a broken voice, and his whole function suiting with forms to his conceitand all for nothing! (2.2.582-84). Then he compares himself saying, Yet Iunpregnant of my cause, and can say nothingno not for a king upon whose property and most dear life a damned defeat was made. Am I a coward? (2.2.593-98). These quotes show Hamlets self-consciousness; he chastises himself and feels less than a man. But from this, Hamlet gains motivation; he vows to avenge his fathers death. Since Hamlet is unsure the ghost he encountered previously, he decides to have a play similar to King Hamlets murder to see if King Claudius actually did kill his father. This also illustrates Hamlets cautiousness. Hamlet states, The plays the thing wherein Ill catch the conscience of the King (2.2.633-34).
In Hamlets fourth soliloquy, Hamlet nearly contemplates on killing Claudius, but instead decides to wait because Claudius is in the middle of prayer.
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