Hamlet's Character Development

A detailed Summary of Hamlet's Character Development


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


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 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

Some common words found in the essay are:
Claudius Gertrude, Claudius Hamlet, England Hamlet, , France Hamlet, major soliloquy, Norway Laertes, character development, hamlet's character, soliloquy hamlet, character soliloquies,

Approximate Word count = 760
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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