Soliloquies in Hamlet Essay

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Hamlet Soliloquies

Act I, Scene ii, 129 - Hamlet

Hamlet in this particular soliloquy is lamenting the poor state of things he finds upon returning home. Just before his emotional speech, Claudius, Hamlet's uncle, announces the sudden death of Hamlet's father, the late King of Denmark. In the same mourning speech, Claudius also declares his taking the throne and marrying the widowed queen, Gertrude. Because of this, there is a festive tone to the atmosphere, and Hamlet, it appears, seems to be the only one in mourning.

The main points in Hamlet's speech revolve around his father's cruel end and his mother's sudden marriage to Claudius. Keeping in mind that Hamlet had been abroad until the recent news hit, hearing about his father's death becomes a gigantic blow to Hamlet's well-being. Upon arriving and discovering that his mother is already remarried, Hamlet further breaks down and laments over the fickleness and "frailty" of women. For the majority of the speech, the mourning Prince of Denmark notes that his mother, a woman who once doted so lovingly on her husband, quickly marries Claudius only a month after the King's death. Yet, even with this anger and resentment within Hamlet, he chooses to remain silent over his feelings.

In this soliloquy, we, as the audience, see the tension and growing unease in Hamlet's mind. We get a sense of timing in the events and see the speed of which Claudius takes over and marries Gertrude. Hamlet's anger is apparent here, and this unease in his mind foreshadows his reaction to the appearance of his father's ghost. Later on, this choice of brooding becomes paramount in Hamlet's character; his conception of females pushes Ophelia away, and his silent rage becomes unhealthy and tantamount to his vengeance.

Act III, Scene i, 141 - Ophelia

Ophelia speaks of Hamlet's mind, how it is broken and unsound.

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The soliloquy occurs just after her confrontation with Hamlet, who, before his "madness," had since been doting on her. However, as they encounter each other in the large hall -- and in the hidden presence of both Claudius and her father, Pollonius -- it looks to Ophelia that Hamlet no longer cares for her or even notices her. While it still remains unclear where Hamlet's emotions lie (and whether his reaction was just an act), Ophelia's perplexity is absolute. This is where the audience finds as the context for her soliloquy.

In the soliloquy, Ophelia laments the passing of a "noble mind." She states that prior to their conversation, Hamlet had been a harmonious, loving, and princely creature, a man whom she had come to love. What she finds instead both disappoints and confuses her, for Hamlet's mind is "out of tune," and there is nothing princely or loving or harmonious about him. In fact, throughout her speech, we see that she regrets having witnessed the change, for Ophelia knew Hamlet when he was still the dashing gentleman who loved her. Of course, Ophelia is unaware of what is transpiring in the sidelines, which will eventually spell her doom.

Ophelia's confusion is the most important character reaction in this speech, for we see Hamlet's effect on her. She is worried for his mental health, which seems to be getting dangerous by the minute. Yet she is also perplexed by it, and -- for a young woman who had been vigorously courted by Hamlet -- just a little heartbroken. We see that this plays a crucial part in Ophelia's madness, for she later learns of the death of her father in the hands of her beloved prince.

Act III, scene iii, 36….....

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