Hamlet Soliloquy

Introduction

The Renaissance ushered in a wealth of new thought and ideas that have established a foundation till this day that influence art, design, and critical thinking throughout our world. “The growth of the European nation-states contributed to the weakening of the Christian commonwealth, especially where church and state competed for influence and authority” (Fiero, p.176, 2013). Throughout the Middle Ages the Church exerted immense power over thought and reason among its followers in Europe. However, through trials and tribulations, like the bubonic plague, the Hundred years’ war, and the Great Schism within the Catholic Church, Europe had gone through a paradigm shift in thought and attitude which allowed for more liberal artistic
He questions himself once again as to why he has delayed his revenge upon his uncle. He also ponders the nature of man and the virtues of honor. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are both on stage for this soliloquy but they do not hear his words. Hamlet likens his inaction to being a beast, which does naught but eat and sleep. He laments that the wit and intelligence so carefully granted to him by the creator has gone unused and wasted. Whether foolishness, doubt, or fear of the outcome, thoughts split in this manner, just prove him to be a coward. Hamlet sees the army of Fortinbras below, 20,000 strong, marching to war. He admires the ‘delicate and tender Prince’, but also understands that this prince is a man of action who is willing to send 20,000 men to their deaths for a small parcel of land. One can ask, is Fortinbras ‘delicate and tender’, or is he a ruthless and uncompromising leader that Hamlet wishes he could be. He is a man torn by anguish and hate, but the fatal flaw of the tragic hero has confounded his existence. Hamlet’s fatal flaw of inaction is the basis for the entire narrative of this play, but finally here at the end of this soliloquy he is resolved to commit the deed and find resolution in his revenge. One of the fascinating things Hamlet does throughout the play and especially in his soliloquies is that he is always playing his own devil’s advocate. This complicates things immensely for those trying to discern the true meaning of his thoughts presented by the text. One can argue that Hamlet here scoffs at Fortinbras’ folly and that honor is of no importance to him, and yet one can argue the exact