Hamlet S Character Development Essay, Research Paper
Hamlet is the main character, and his soliloquies are the most plentiful and most important to the plot of the play. Much can be accomplished in the way of Hamlet s character through his soliloquies. They are Hamlet s principal way of communicating with the audience and demonstrating his character development.
Hamlet s first major soliloquy occurs just after Claudius has sent his messengers to Norway, and after Laertes is given leave to go to France. Hamlet is in the midst of conversation with Claudius and Gertrude regarding his melancholy mood after the death of his father. He talks of how weary, stale, flat and unprofitable all of the things in the world seem to him, and how it is like an unweeded garden . Hamlet is not simply distressed, but unable to overcome the depression caused by his father s untimely death. While he is in this kind of mood, he can see no joy or beauty in the world, only harsh repulsiveness. Hamlet s tone then changes somewhat to a more aggressive one. He mocks his mother, the seeming virtuous queen , with phrases like frailty, thy name is woman , and such dexterity to incestuous sheets . Hamlet feels betrayed by even his own mother, therefore he cannot trust anyone. He then must vent his anger, taking it out on his mother. The soliloquy is important because it establishes his sense of Hamlet s isolation, and reflects his new-found suspicion for those he had once trusted.
The next major soliloquy happens after Hamlet first talks with the players, persuading them to present a play according to his specifications. Hamlet, his emotions rekindled by the player s speech, asks, Who calls me villain? , but then calls Claudius a remorseless, treacherous, lecherous, kindless villain. He is somewhat confused by his emotions. He does not know whether it is he who is wrong or Claudius.
Hamlet then says that he has the motive and cue for passion , and yet he can say nothing . He blames himself for having all the passion and will to act according to what he sees as revenge, but not doing so. His rational mind is in conflict with his passionate heart, and, having no previous experiences to draw upon, he is unsure as to which is correct, action or inaction. This soliloquy is important to Hamlet s character development because it as rational, even though he may not always be able to control his emotions.
The third major, and perhaps most famous, soliloquy takes place right after Hamlet has devised his plan to discover the truth about Claudius in his so-called mousetrap. Here, Hamlet asks himself whether tis nobler in the mind to suffer , or to take arms against a sea of troubles . Again, he questions his decision to stay inactive. He feels that it is his duty to find a definite right answer , and is upset because he has been unable to do so. He says that to die, to sleep and that the sleep of death will come when we have shuffled off this mortal coil . Hamlet revisits the theme of melancholy and death. This time, however, he entertains the notion of death with a more reflective attitude. This soliloquy is important because it promotes Hamlet s intellectual ability and emphasizes the philosophical aspect of his character.
The last major soliloquy is after Hamlet has confronted Claudius and is ordered to go to England. Here, Hamlet discusses how all occasions do inform against him, inciting his dull revenge . Once more, he feels compelled to do something but is unsure whether he should take action at this time. His emotions are aching to be released, but his mind still holds them in check. Finally, he finds the cause, and will, and strength to act, and is determined to let his thoughts be bloody or be nothing worth . At last, he seems resolute in his decision. Hamlet s passion for revenge finally seems to overcome reason, and he can now focus solely on his initial purpose. This final soliloquy shows that Hamlet has realized his primary purpose, and completes the development of his character.
The progression of Hamlet s soliloquies throughout the play help the audience to understand his changing character and the reasons behind his actions. After all, if it were not for Hamlet and his soliloquies, there would be no play at all.
344