In Shakespeare's Hamlet, the tragic hero reveals his inner conflicts and introspective attitude in each of the lengthy soliloquies in the play. Hamlet is a static character whose thoughts never dramatically change. Each soliloquy delves further into Hamlet's motivations, or lack thereof, and psyche. Each soliloquy, each slightly different, is all united by vivid imagery, introspective language, and discussion of Hamlet's delay of action.

The first soliloquy serves to 'set the stage' for the rest of Hamlet's thoughts, feelings, and actions. It is here that Hamlet first reveals his hatred for his mother's incestuous marriage to his uncle, Claudius, his low self-image, and his great reverence for his father. Each aspect of this soliloquy has an integral and conflicting part in Hamlet's role. While he hates Claudius and immensely idolizes his father, Hamlet will be plagued by his low self-image, thus taking no action and contributing even more to his existing problems.

In the beginning lines of this soliloquy Hamlet is already considering suicide.

O that this too too solid flesh would melt,...

Or that the Everlasting had not fixed

The second soliloquy concerns Hamlet's delay of action. He feels ashamed that he has not avenged his father's death with the speed and expression exhibited by the actors in the play. Hamlet compares his inaction to the dramatic expression the actor exhibits for the death of his character's father. "What would he do, / Had he the motive and cue for passion/ That I have"(II, ii, 566-68)? Hamlet is amazed that the actor can conjure such emotions without a real impetus, while he is incapable of doing anything in response to his father's murder.

When honor's at stake (IV, iv, 55-58).

Next Hamlet considers suicide as a solution to his problems. "To die-/ to sleep-perchance to dream: ay, there's the rub! / For in that sleep what dreams may come..."(III, i, 72-74). Hamlet would like to die only if he can enter a state of oblivion in which he would not be able to dream. The mystery of what comes after death is what keeps Hamlet from committing suicide. He says that people go through life with all of its problems because of "dread of something after death"(III, I, 86).

In Hamlet's eyes Claudius is a beast in comparison to the god-like features of his father. This lays the foundation for Hamlet's vengeful intentions. Hamlet's also comments on the loving relationship enjoyed by his parents, in disbelief of Gertrude's actions. He does not understand why his mother married Claudius in such haste, causing such internal torment for Hamlet. This leads Hamlet to make a generalization about all women. "Frailty, thy name is woman"(I, ii, 146)! Hamlet displays his inability to separate his emotions from his rational being.

Hamlet ends this soliloquy by resolving to do nothing for the time being. He has laid the foundation for the rest of the play, but he has also made a decision that will cause him more pain. His resolution to do nothing will be the source of his problems in following speeches.

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Approximate Word count = 1561
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)