Throughout the play “Hamlet”, written by William Shakespeare, there are various important themes that are developed among the characters within their respective traits and personalities. However, in the midst of all the chaos and tragedy in the story line, there is one major theme that tends to always stand out in Hamlet’s life; death. Over the course of the play, Hamlet becomes death-obsessed. Eventful moments such as his discussion with his fathers’ ghost, his “to be, or not to be” soliloquy, and his experience at the graveyard all highlight this theme in depth. His indecisive nature becomes extremely conspicuous in his view of death as the play moves along. Hamlet’s highly ambiguous mental state contributes to two ideals that are overcontemplated: revenge and suicide. Life seems unimportant to Hamlet and he wonders whether or not he should end it all. However, he is unaware of the undiscovered mystery of death. This concept terrifies him, leaving him in a tight situation because he is unsure of both of his options.
Initially, Hamlet has a very pessimistic outlook on life. He is quite emotional about his father’s death and is very opposed to the new marriage between his uncle, Claudius, and his mother, Gertrude. This is the first issue that leads Hamlet to contemplate suicide. He believes that it will instantaneously resolve all of the problems in his life. However, he realizes that if he commits suicide he will be sent to hell, due to it being a mortal sin. Hamlet becomes more and more discouraged after coming to this realization because of all of the unfortunate events that are occurring in his life. Once Hamlet encounters his father’s ghost, he immediately is less bleak about his idealization on life and death. When the ghost informs Hamlet that his own brother, Claudius, murdered him in cold blood, he swears an oath to his father’s ghost to avenge his death. This new task, gives Hamlet a reason to keep living. Nonetheless, he believes that he was born to set this right and once the deed has been completed he can rest in peace. His new sworn oath gives him a self-destructive purpose. Although Hamlet finds his motivation within this new assignment, Shakespeare continuously displays signs that Hamlet’s viewpoint on life is profoundly negative. He is trapped within his own mindset and thoughts about suicide and is also burdened about how he can succesfully manage to succeed in avenging his father by killing Claudius. He continues to view the world as an unpleasant place and thinks as others to be a piece of work. This demonstrates that Hamlet remains still about his pessimistic standpoint, regardless of his newfound reason of existence
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Secondly, Hamlet’s soliloquy “To be, or not to be” views the experience of death as a peaceful salvation from the constant misery of life. This moment is where he begins to sincerely consider suicide in order to depart from the painful world that we live in. It is very obvious that Hamlet’s impression of death as a smooth and tranquil sleep-like feeling, makes him open about suicidal thoughts. Hamlet’s famous monologue was fueled by Ophelia’s self-drowning. Her decision to commit suicide only added to Hamlet’s suffering and makes him further question his life and why he continues to live it. Eventually, Hamlet comes to the conclusion that for those who conetmplate suicide, it is much easier to complete when they aren’t afraid of the outcome of death. However, in Hamlet’s case, he unfortunately cannot muster up the courage to end his unbearable life. Death is something that is desirable in the eyes of Hamlet. It’s perfect closure. It’s nothing more than a sleep.
Nonetheless, there is an opposing ideal. Hamlet says that we aren’t in control of our own dreams, so what is the possibility that the dreams that arise in the occurrence of death, involve all of the dreadful details of life’s course? With this speculation in mind, Hamlet pauses to reconsider his options. The dilemma with his proposition of death is that the afterlife is entirely unidentified and could end up having more consequences than life itself. It’s very frightening, but it’s true. That’s the obstacle that Hamlet is trying to overcome but it’s leading his thoughts toward a whole other way.
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