To live or to die, that is the question, and it will continue to be for as long as man is alive. Although Hamlet was written by William Shakespeare in 1602, the concept of suicide still plays a major role in society today. All over the world, humankind contemplates suicide, however, only some are pushed until death. For others, reasons and fears hold them back.
Although one might consider attempting suicide, there are often things that hinder that step. For example, the question of what happens after death. Before Ophelia enters, Hamlet ponders, “for in that sleep of death what dreams may come?” (Shakespeare 3.1.67). While there are various theories such as Hamlet's theory of death being like an endless sleep filled with dreams, no one may …show more content…
As a result of Polonius’ death, Ophelia falls into despair. As the grief causes Ophelia to fall into madness a gentleman reports, “Indeed distract; her mood will needs be pitied....She speaks much of her father” (Shakespeare 4.5.3). The overwhelming grief that countless people face, affects Ophelia greatly. For many, the despair and sadness becomes too much and in a depressive state they kill themselves. However, if someone had truly comforted Ophelia and shown compassion before it was too late, she might have survived the play. For example, when Ophelia runs to Polonius to tell him of the concern she had for Hamlet when he came to her in her room, Polonius responds with, “that hath made him mad... Come, go we to the King” (Shakespeare 2.1.111 and 118) Polonius expresses concern for Hamlet but cares little for how Ophelia is affected, and doesn’t ask how she’s handling the situation. Without support and compassion Ophelia started to feel alone and insignificant. Life begins to feel desolate when one lacks the support and love needed to experience fulfillment with oneself. As this emptiness overtakes someone, the idea of suicide seems much more inviting. Nearly everyone hates rejection and Ophelia faces it when Hamlet tells her, “you should not have believed me... I loved you not” (Shakespeare 3.1.118-120). In consequence of believing that Hamlet loved her, the pain she feels at hearing
Although one might consider attempting suicide, there are often things that hinder that step. For example, the question of what happens after death. Before Ophelia enters, Hamlet ponders, “for in that sleep of death what dreams may come?” (Shakespeare 3.1.67). While there are various theories such as Hamlet's theory of death being like an endless sleep filled with dreams, no one may …show more content…
As a result of Polonius’ death, Ophelia falls into despair. As the grief causes Ophelia to fall into madness a gentleman reports, “Indeed distract; her mood will needs be pitied....She speaks much of her father” (Shakespeare 4.5.3). The overwhelming grief that countless people face, affects Ophelia greatly. For many, the despair and sadness becomes too much and in a depressive state they kill themselves. However, if someone had truly comforted Ophelia and shown compassion before it was too late, she might have survived the play. For example, when Ophelia runs to Polonius to tell him of the concern she had for Hamlet when he came to her in her room, Polonius responds with, “that hath made him mad... Come, go we to the King” (Shakespeare 2.1.111 and 118) Polonius expresses concern for Hamlet but cares little for how Ophelia is affected, and doesn’t ask how she’s handling the situation. Without support and compassion Ophelia started to feel alone and insignificant. Life begins to feel desolate when one lacks the support and love needed to experience fulfillment with oneself. As this emptiness overtakes someone, the idea of suicide seems much more inviting. Nearly everyone hates rejection and Ophelia faces it when Hamlet tells her, “you should not have believed me... I loved you not” (Shakespeare 3.1.118-120). In consequence of believing that Hamlet loved her, the pain she feels at hearing