Hamlet and J Alfred Prufrock have three major things in common; question and rationalize theirs situations as well as procrastinate. In this essay, I will explain how they both handle their situations through quotes and how a life of doing so has affected them.

             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 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, " With all his crimes broad blown as flush as May.Up sword. when he is drunk asleep, or in his rage. That has no relish of salvation in't, then I'll trip him, that his heels may kick at heaven/ As hell whereto it goes" 6 Hamlet thus puts off the killing for another time.

             Hamlet also questions, rationalizes and procrastinates when it comes to Ophelia.