In Shakespeare's Hamlet, questioning, procrastination and rationalization define Hamlet's character. Hamlet is a very analytical person: he carefully plans and thoroughly questions his actions. Hamlet has a way of dealing with his problems. First he questions the situation, rationalizes, then procrastinates. An example of Hamlet's questioning becomes apparent in act 1, scene 5. In that scene Hamlet questions the commands of the ghost of Hamlet Sr. " Murder... My uncle?" 1 He then rationalizes, " Yea, from the table of my memory, ill wipe away all trivial fond records/And thy commandment all alone shall live alone" 2 One would think that in his rage Hamlet would now act upon the commandment, but he does not. " Time is out of joint. O cursed spite, that ever I was born to set it right"3 Hamlet decides to procrastinate his action of killing Claudius.

Another example of his questioning, rationalizing and procrastinating is when Hamlet is

Hamlet' s lack of action and over thinking ultimately leads to his death in a duel with Laertes. His procrastination also causes the death of Ophelia, Laertes, Gertrude, Polonius, and eventually Claudius. Hamlet is responsible for all the deaths in the play because of his inaction. It is plausible that if Hamlet had killed Claudius sooner, Polonius would not have been killed; Ophelia would not have committed suicide. Hamlet would have not had to kill Laertes and Gertrude would have not drunk the poison.

J. Alfred Prufrock also engaged in the same actions. He also questions, rationalizes and procrastinates, but in a slightly different order. Prufrock questions, procrastinates, then rationalizes. Prufrock questions his whole existence as well as the people at the party. Prufrock fears that the people at the party will not accept him. Prufrock procrastinates because he fears rejection and is not confident enough to speak out. He sees the people as shallow, "Known them already, known them all." 12 The phrase " I the room where the women come and go/ talking of Michaelangelo" 13 describes how Prufrock sees the women as having a bit of intelligence, but lack depth. He also procrastinates because he fears that the partygoers will gossip about him. "They will say 'how is hair is growing thin', My morning coat, my collar mounting firmly on my chin, my necktie and modest, but asserted by a simple pin-they will say, but how his arms and legs are thin'.' 14 " I was afraid." 15 He wants to say his feeling, but is afraid no one will understand him.

in the Chapel with Claudius (Hamlet is in the prime position to kill him. He questions even questions killing Claudius "Now might I do it pat, now he is praying and now I'll do't: and so he goes to heaven: and so am I revenged." 4 Hamlet then rationalizes why he should kill Claudius now. His reason is, "That would be scanned/ O, this is hire and salary, not revenge." 5 He then procrastinates, "

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Approximate Word count = 1312
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)