“To be, or not to be…” (3.1.56). In Hamlet’s soliloquy, two main themes are preset, and these are: life & death. This is where most individuals seem to stop, but in reality there is more than what meets the eye. Throughout the beginning of the play, both the actions of Hamlet and other characters are laced with revenge, madness, and deceitfulness, and this is what plays a major role in the words spoken by the young prince. For when Hamlet speaks, he does not question himself but he questions society as a whole. He is unable fathom how people are able to withstand the “… arrows of outrageous fortune …” (3.1.58). Hamlet is also unable to decide whether suicide is a viable option because he is uncertain of what “… dreams may come ….” (3.1.66). Ultimately when looking at Hamlet’s soliloquy through the eyes of a deconstructionist, the key aspects come into sharper focus: relinquishment (death), safety (life), and revenge (life).
“…not to be…” (3.1.56). Death is one of the major themes in …show more content…
Hamlet also felt that life was the better bet, no matter how agonizing it may be, because he knew for certain what it would entail, as opposed to death, where his outcome was unknown. This is clearly seen when Hamlet states, “… For in that sleep of death what dreams may come…” (3.1.66). In this quote Hamlet uses a metaphor to compare death to sleep, a comparison wherein the afterlife is also equivalent to dreams. Whether those dreams are nightmares (hell) or pleasant (heaven) still remains unknown and is even more of a reason to stay in the realm of the living. Hamlet eventually realizes that committing suicide would also result in Claudius’ wrong doings to go unpunished. As seen with the following quote, “… And enterprises of great pitch and moment/ With his regard their currents turn awry/ And loose the name of action,” (3.1.86-88). It is clear in this quote that he steers himself away from the idea of self-harm and scolds himself for even considering such an
“…not to be…” (3.1.56). Death is one of the major themes in …show more content…
Hamlet also felt that life was the better bet, no matter how agonizing it may be, because he knew for certain what it would entail, as opposed to death, where his outcome was unknown. This is clearly seen when Hamlet states, “… For in that sleep of death what dreams may come…” (3.1.66). In this quote Hamlet uses a metaphor to compare death to sleep, a comparison wherein the afterlife is also equivalent to dreams. Whether those dreams are nightmares (hell) or pleasant (heaven) still remains unknown and is even more of a reason to stay in the realm of the living. Hamlet eventually realizes that committing suicide would also result in Claudius’ wrong doings to go unpunished. As seen with the following quote, “… And enterprises of great pitch and moment/ With his regard their currents turn awry/ And loose the name of action,” (3.1.86-88). It is clear in this quote that he steers himself away from the idea of self-harm and scolds himself for even considering such an