William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, a tragic play, examines the theme of mortality in the wake of extreme misfortune. Hamlet’s famous soliloquy in the first scene of Act III often takes precedence when discussing this theme. However, Shakespeare artfully develops the idea of mortality through the last act. Shakespeare’s strategic integration of the graveyard scene adds a comedic effect while setting the scene for the tragic climax of the play, leading to Hamlet’s acceptance of mortality and causing an unexpected self-assertion. Including the graveyard scene allows Shakespeare to introduce the gravediggers for comedic effect within the otherwise dark play. These seemingly minor characters create humor without detracting from the plot. The gravediggers
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This acceptance manifests in Hamlet’s proclamations about Yorick. When Hamlet says, “Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him, Horatio, a fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy,” he realizes the immediate nature of death (5.1.183-185). As he stands in the graveyard, death lurks around him, and as he looks toward his future, death looms ahead of him. He understands he cannot escape his own mortality; instead, he must face the future. Hamlet finds himself drawn to the idea of death. As he stands among the skulls and bones, “The prince reflects on the inevitability of death,” slowly accepting his own fate (Boyce 236). Hamlet avoids death through much of the early development of the play, but now he recognizes the need to face it. His newfound knowledge provides strength necessary to complete the tasks ahead of him. This acceptance does not come as a surrender, but as a triumph. “Hamlet’s meditations on death no longer reflect the depression and grief that characterized him in Acts 1-4 but are rather the healthy recognition that death and decay are parts of life that must be accepted” (Boyce 225). Rather than despair at the idea of death, Hamlet treats the situation with rationality. He exemplifies maturity not found in his previous actions. Hamlet grasps more than the idea of death; he comes to terms with its role in the lives of humans. Mortality no longer represents an end, but a powerful force. Hamlet …show more content…
The realization that life expires and death reigns gives Hamlet a newfound confidence. For the first time, “He now knows his own pain and pronounces with pride his own name” (Boitani 20). No longer do Hamlet’s wavering decisions suppress his desires. After his acceptance of mortality, Hamlet gains the confidence necessary to complete his revenge of his father’s death. He assumes control of his emotions and actions, proclaiming his presence to Laertes and the funeral procession. When Hamlet states, “This is I, Hamlet the Dane,” he demonstrates his transformation as a character (5.1.257-258). This unexpected action contradicts his previous indecision. The graveyard inspires Hamlet to live out the last moments of his life with vigor. He knows mortality and fate will contribute to his end, so he no longer wastes time. Hamlet finally announces his true love for Ophelia when he declares, “I loved Ophelia. Forty thousand brothers could not with all their quantity of love make up my sum” (5.1.272-274). This declaration of love serves as a symbol of Hamlet’s full transformation. His experiences in the graveyard lead to his gained confidence, a mature quality he lacked before. Hamlet unexpectedly asserts himself and declares his love for Ophelia, proving the true power of the graveyard
This acceptance manifests in Hamlet’s proclamations about Yorick. When Hamlet says, “Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him, Horatio, a fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy,” he realizes the immediate nature of death (5.1.183-185). As he stands in the graveyard, death lurks around him, and as he looks toward his future, death looms ahead of him. He understands he cannot escape his own mortality; instead, he must face the future. Hamlet finds himself drawn to the idea of death. As he stands among the skulls and bones, “The prince reflects on the inevitability of death,” slowly accepting his own fate (Boyce 236). Hamlet avoids death through much of the early development of the play, but now he recognizes the need to face it. His newfound knowledge provides strength necessary to complete the tasks ahead of him. This acceptance does not come as a surrender, but as a triumph. “Hamlet’s meditations on death no longer reflect the depression and grief that characterized him in Acts 1-4 but are rather the healthy recognition that death and decay are parts of life that must be accepted” (Boyce 225). Rather than despair at the idea of death, Hamlet treats the situation with rationality. He exemplifies maturity not found in his previous actions. Hamlet grasps more than the idea of death; he comes to terms with its role in the lives of humans. Mortality no longer represents an end, but a powerful force. Hamlet …show more content…
The realization that life expires and death reigns gives Hamlet a newfound confidence. For the first time, “He now knows his own pain and pronounces with pride his own name” (Boitani 20). No longer do Hamlet’s wavering decisions suppress his desires. After his acceptance of mortality, Hamlet gains the confidence necessary to complete his revenge of his father’s death. He assumes control of his emotions and actions, proclaiming his presence to Laertes and the funeral procession. When Hamlet states, “This is I, Hamlet the Dane,” he demonstrates his transformation as a character (5.1.257-258). This unexpected action contradicts his previous indecision. The graveyard inspires Hamlet to live out the last moments of his life with vigor. He knows mortality and fate will contribute to his end, so he no longer wastes time. Hamlet finally announces his true love for Ophelia when he declares, “I loved Ophelia. Forty thousand brothers could not with all their quantity of love make up my sum” (5.1.272-274). This declaration of love serves as a symbol of Hamlet’s full transformation. His experiences in the graveyard lead to his gained confidence, a mature quality he lacked before. Hamlet unexpectedly asserts himself and declares his love for Ophelia, proving the true power of the graveyard