Hamlet Soliloquy
Introduction
The Renaissance ushered in a wealth of new thought and ideas that have established a foundation till this day that influence art, design, and critical thinking throughout our world. “The growth of the European nation-states contributed to the weakening of the Christian commonwealth, especially where church and state competed for influence and authority” (Fiero, p.176, 2013). Throughout the Middle Ages the Church exerted immense power over thought and reason among its followers in Europe. However, through trials and tribulations, like the bubonic plague, the Hundred years’ war, and the Great Schism within the Catholic Church, Europe had gone through a paradigm shift in thought and attitude which allowed for more liberal artistic …show more content…
expression and freedom of thought that challenged the strict conservative beliefs of higher Institutions like the Church, and governing authorities.
Cogito, Ergo Sum, (Latin “I think therefore I am”) Rene Descartes, can be seen as one of the most significant phrases written during the Renaissance. It is this very phrase that signifies the thought process that promoted the arts during the renaissance. Freedom to express oneself with painting, sculpture, drama, and music all led to masterpieces during the Renaissance, which endure till this day. Yes, there were many great achievements in many disciplines of Humanities, but arguably the crowning achievement of the Renaissance was the invention of the printing press. “By 1450, Johann Guttenberg, a German goldsmith working in the city of Mainz, perfected a press with movable metal type that made it possible to fabricate books cheaply, rapidly, and in great numbers” (Fiero, p.186, 2013). The printing press allowed for the mass production of literature and text, allowing these works to reach many more people in a shorter period of time. “The printing press revolutionized learning and communication: The major vehicle in the spread of humanist writings, it facilitated the rise of popular education, even as it encouraged readers to form opinions for themselves” (Fiero, p.186, 2013) “William Shakespeare, (1564-1616). A poet of unparalleled genius, Shakespeare emerged during the Golden Age of England under the rule of Elizabeth I (1533-1603). He produced thirty-seven Plays-comedies, tragedies, romances, and histories- as well as 154 sonnets and other poems. These works, generally considered to be the greatest examples of English literature, have exercised an enormous influence on the evolution of the English language and the development of the Western literary tradition” (Fiero, p.221, 2013).
Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, more commonly known as Hamlet, is Shakespeare’s longest play, and is considered to be among the most influential tragedies in English Literature. The role of Hamlet is considered to be very challenging and proves to be a test for the actors who have performed the role over the last 500 years. Hamlet is a tragic hero, very much like Oedipus, the ancient tragic hero who was introduced by Sophocles in (Oedipus Rex), first performed in the golden age of Greece over two thousand years ago. Oedipus killed his father and lay with his mother. A mortal man committed these unspeakable acts; however, the Gods manipulated all the circumstances that led to these acts. In the classic Greek tragedies, the Gods were in total control of the mortals they observed. Oedipus had no power or influence over the outcomes and events that were to end in such horror; he was led to these ends by the will of the Gods. In the Renaissance tragedy and other forms of Drama of that time, the authors and performers for the first time have the free will to make decisions based on their emotions, experiences, and urges. They are no longer portrayed as puppets on a string controlled by some divine presence or all-powerful being(s). The English language was essentially in its infancy at the time, a burgeoning vocabulary expanding constantly, absorbing new words from wars, exploration, diplomacy and colonization. It is said that Shakespeare alone is responsible for the creation of 1700 words that he introduced into the English language. It is no wonder William Shakespeare is held in such high regard and renown throughout the world.
Soliloquy #7 Act 4 Scene 4 Lines 32 – 66
Shakespeare’s Soliloquys are renowned for their expression of a character’s innermost feelings and emotions, which are conveyed to the audience through amazing linguistic style and a prose, which allows for quite intimate and bawdy language. Unlike the monologue, or the aside, the soliloquy is spoken (recited) to the audience where only they can here or ascertain the thoughts and feelings of the character; all others on stage do not hear these words. It is truly a chance for the audience to understand the thought process and feelings that are going on in the character’s head.
The story of Hamlet the prince of Denmark is a tragic one indeed. Hamlets father the late king has recently died, and his brother Claudius (Hamlet’s uncle) has taken Hamlet’s mother the queen as wife. Hamlet is shattered by his father’s death but even more incensed of the fact that his mother married his uncle so quickly after his father’s death. He then finds out through the ghost of his dead father that his uncle actually murdered his father, and this sets in motion the drama that has been discussed and debated for centuries the tragedy, which is the essence of Hamlet.
In soliloquy #7 Hamlet is beset upon himself.
He questions himself once again as to why he has delayed his revenge upon his uncle. He also ponders the nature of man and the virtues of honor. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are both on stage for this soliloquy but they do not hear his words. Hamlet likens his inaction to being a beast, which does naught but eat and sleep. He laments that the wit and intelligence so carefully granted to him by the creator has gone unused and wasted. Whether foolishness, doubt, or fear of the outcome, thoughts split in this manner, just prove him to be a coward. Hamlet sees the army of Fortinbras below, 20,000 strong, marching to war. He admires the ‘delicate and tender Prince’, but also understands that this prince is a man of action who is willing to send 20,000 men to their deaths for a small parcel of land. One can ask, is Fortinbras ‘delicate and tender’, or is he a ruthless and uncompromising leader that Hamlet wishes he could be. He is a man torn by anguish and hate, but the fatal flaw of the tragic hero has confounded his existence. Hamlet’s fatal flaw of inaction is the basis for the entire narrative of this play, but finally here at the end of this soliloquy he is resolved to commit the deed and find resolution in his revenge. One of the fascinating things Hamlet does throughout the play and especially in his soliloquies is that he is always playing his own devil’s advocate. This complicates things immensely for those trying to discern the true meaning of his thoughts presented by the text. One can argue that Hamlet here scoffs at Fortinbras’ folly and that honor is of no importance to him, and yet one can argue the exact
opposite.
Soliloquies
The story of Ophelia is truly sad. A lady in waiting and daughter to Polonius the king’s councilor, she is beloved to Hamlet and must endure his mad ravings and deal with his feigned insanity. Much of the rancor and belligerence that Hamlet spews forth in this drama are directed at Ophelia and she has very little recourse other than to grin and bear it. She is given council by her brother Laertes and her father Polonius to act as the woman of her station and breeding while trying to calm Hamlet’s mad ranting’s and gain his trust in order to spy on his intentions for Claudius. Ophelia is very in love with Hamlet and has heard Hamlet’s loving words, but she has also felt the biting sting of his words and his nastiness. Hamlet’s feigned insanity has really worn down the poor girl and she is desperately trying to make sense of hamlet’s true intentions with her. Act 3 Scene1, Ophelia is summoned to appear before Claudius and Polonius and pretend to read a book to bait Hamlet into exposing his sanity or insanity to the king. Before she commences with the king and her father, she speaks briefly with Queen Gertrude. Queen Gertrude exits.
Ophilia’s Soliloquy -
My dearest beloved Hamlet, my light, my bane
Why have you forsaken the love you have professed to me?
Can I not ease your worried mind; will you not allow me to assuage your sorrow.
The grave has taken your father; will you allow it to take your sensibility as well.
Will you allow it to take mine; forsake me not my sweet prince of Denmark, I beseech
Thee come to your senses and exalt in the love I have for you.
I ponder the questions set before me, not knowing what the outcome will be.
The burden of grief and the weight of office lie heavy upon your shoulders; your mother
The queen bleeds deeply from the wounds inflicted upon her by your malaise.
Fear not the plotting of others who seek to bind your spirit; cast off the hardship imposed
Upon you by this heavy heart, and become that which you have been before, the sun.
Personal Soliloquy -
Demons: They call me, they grasp at me: they evoke in me the ghosts of my past.
In the depths of my subconscious: he comes for me, they come for me.
He subdues me; he steals my light and innocence. I’ve become mute.
Where’s my voice, I cant find it, I’m lost!
My heart dimmed, I’m not me, and I no longer exist. Who was he to take my life, my light?
Why did I let him, why did I hold my tongue, why didn’t I fight?
I must fight, I will fight: I will take back my life and find a new light. Whole again I will be!
Never again will I let the icy claws grasp at my heart
Never again will I allow the malevolent apparitions to rule my desires.
I mustn’t allow the misdeeds done unto me to stain my heart.
Victory has yet to be claimed, but another war has been declared.
The demon of fear stings me with his venom evoking in me self-loathing and doubt.
Chaos of life’s stresses, anguish, torments, and fears create internal strife and haunt me.
Ice begins to chill my veins again; I hate the world for taking my life away.
I can’t take it I need an escape. I numb myself; I lose myself again and again.
I’m lost again: I can feel the flames of hell creeping up my legs.
I think I’m dead, but then, I feel a light surge through the darkness.
His light is cast upon me and shields me from the grasp of evil and the fires of hell.
He blankets me in peace and love; he whispers words of acceptance and encouragement.
He rejuvenates me with strength and hope: Darkness and demons subside.
I once again have the strength to fight, but will this war ever end?
Conclusion
As, we have seen the Shakespearian drama has lent itself to the development of an entirely new form of literature and art, which is carried over into modern times. The influence of William Shakespeare is unmistakable in all works of literature, which have come after him.
Personally, my soliloquy speaks of an internal struggle that I have to deal with on a daily basis. Do I allow myself to succumb to the stereotype of a woman or child who has had to endure things that no woman or child should ever be subjected to? How do I go on and continue to fight and move forward when it seems at every corner there is a new obstacle presented. Why should I want to try and succeed if I keep being knocked down, unable to complete anything? I have no choice, I can’t back down, and I have to succeed.
The Renaissance ushered in a wealth of new thought and ideas that have established a foundation till this day that influence art, design, and critical thinking throughout our world. “The growth of the European nation-states contributed to the weakening of the Christian commonwealth, especially where church and state competed for influence and authority” (Fiero, p.176, 2013). Throughout the Middle Ages the Church exerted immense power over thought and reason among its followers in Europe. However, through trials and tribulations, like the bubonic plague, the Hundred years’ war, and the Great Schism within the Catholic Church, Europe had gone through a paradigm shift in thought and attitude which allowed for more liberal artistic …show more content…
expression and freedom of thought that challenged the strict conservative beliefs of higher Institutions like the Church, and governing authorities.
Cogito, Ergo Sum, (Latin “I think therefore I am”) Rene Descartes, can be seen as one of the most significant phrases written during the Renaissance. It is this very phrase that signifies the thought process that promoted the arts during the renaissance. Freedom to express oneself with painting, sculpture, drama, and music all led to masterpieces during the Renaissance, which endure till this day. Yes, there were many great achievements in many disciplines of Humanities, but arguably the crowning achievement of the Renaissance was the invention of the printing press. “By 1450, Johann Guttenberg, a German goldsmith working in the city of Mainz, perfected a press with movable metal type that made it possible to fabricate books cheaply, rapidly, and in great numbers” (Fiero, p.186, 2013). The printing press allowed for the mass production of literature and text, allowing these works to reach many more people in a shorter period of time. “The printing press revolutionized learning and communication: The major vehicle in the spread of humanist writings, it facilitated the rise of popular education, even as it encouraged readers to form opinions for themselves” (Fiero, p.186, 2013) “William Shakespeare, (1564-1616). A poet of unparalleled genius, Shakespeare emerged during the Golden Age of England under the rule of Elizabeth I (1533-1603). He produced thirty-seven Plays-comedies, tragedies, romances, and histories- as well as 154 sonnets and other poems. These works, generally considered to be the greatest examples of English literature, have exercised an enormous influence on the evolution of the English language and the development of the Western literary tradition” (Fiero, p.221, 2013).
Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, more commonly known as Hamlet, is Shakespeare’s longest play, and is considered to be among the most influential tragedies in English Literature. The role of Hamlet is considered to be very challenging and proves to be a test for the actors who have performed the role over the last 500 years. Hamlet is a tragic hero, very much like Oedipus, the ancient tragic hero who was introduced by Sophocles in (Oedipus Rex), first performed in the golden age of Greece over two thousand years ago. Oedipus killed his father and lay with his mother. A mortal man committed these unspeakable acts; however, the Gods manipulated all the circumstances that led to these acts. In the classic Greek tragedies, the Gods were in total control of the mortals they observed. Oedipus had no power or influence over the outcomes and events that were to end in such horror; he was led to these ends by the will of the Gods. In the Renaissance tragedy and other forms of Drama of that time, the authors and performers for the first time have the free will to make decisions based on their emotions, experiences, and urges. They are no longer portrayed as puppets on a string controlled by some divine presence or all-powerful being(s). The English language was essentially in its infancy at the time, a burgeoning vocabulary expanding constantly, absorbing new words from wars, exploration, diplomacy and colonization. It is said that Shakespeare alone is responsible for the creation of 1700 words that he introduced into the English language. It is no wonder William Shakespeare is held in such high regard and renown throughout the world.
Soliloquy #7 Act 4 Scene 4 Lines 32 – 66
Shakespeare’s Soliloquys are renowned for their expression of a character’s innermost feelings and emotions, which are conveyed to the audience through amazing linguistic style and a prose, which allows for quite intimate and bawdy language. Unlike the monologue, or the aside, the soliloquy is spoken (recited) to the audience where only they can here or ascertain the thoughts and feelings of the character; all others on stage do not hear these words. It is truly a chance for the audience to understand the thought process and feelings that are going on in the character’s head.
The story of Hamlet the prince of Denmark is a tragic one indeed. Hamlets father the late king has recently died, and his brother Claudius (Hamlet’s uncle) has taken Hamlet’s mother the queen as wife. Hamlet is shattered by his father’s death but even more incensed of the fact that his mother married his uncle so quickly after his father’s death. He then finds out through the ghost of his dead father that his uncle actually murdered his father, and this sets in motion the drama that has been discussed and debated for centuries the tragedy, which is the essence of Hamlet.
In soliloquy #7 Hamlet is beset upon himself.
He questions himself once again as to why he has delayed his revenge upon his uncle. He also ponders the nature of man and the virtues of honor. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are both on stage for this soliloquy but they do not hear his words. Hamlet likens his inaction to being a beast, which does naught but eat and sleep. He laments that the wit and intelligence so carefully granted to him by the creator has gone unused and wasted. Whether foolishness, doubt, or fear of the outcome, thoughts split in this manner, just prove him to be a coward. Hamlet sees the army of Fortinbras below, 20,000 strong, marching to war. He admires the ‘delicate and tender Prince’, but also understands that this prince is a man of action who is willing to send 20,000 men to their deaths for a small parcel of land. One can ask, is Fortinbras ‘delicate and tender’, or is he a ruthless and uncompromising leader that Hamlet wishes he could be. He is a man torn by anguish and hate, but the fatal flaw of the tragic hero has confounded his existence. Hamlet’s fatal flaw of inaction is the basis for the entire narrative of this play, but finally here at the end of this soliloquy he is resolved to commit the deed and find resolution in his revenge. One of the fascinating things Hamlet does throughout the play and especially in his soliloquies is that he is always playing his own devil’s advocate. This complicates things immensely for those trying to discern the true meaning of his thoughts presented by the text. One can argue that Hamlet here scoffs at Fortinbras’ folly and that honor is of no importance to him, and yet one can argue the exact
opposite.
Soliloquies
The story of Ophelia is truly sad. A lady in waiting and daughter to Polonius the king’s councilor, she is beloved to Hamlet and must endure his mad ravings and deal with his feigned insanity. Much of the rancor and belligerence that Hamlet spews forth in this drama are directed at Ophelia and she has very little recourse other than to grin and bear it. She is given council by her brother Laertes and her father Polonius to act as the woman of her station and breeding while trying to calm Hamlet’s mad ranting’s and gain his trust in order to spy on his intentions for Claudius. Ophelia is very in love with Hamlet and has heard Hamlet’s loving words, but she has also felt the biting sting of his words and his nastiness. Hamlet’s feigned insanity has really worn down the poor girl and she is desperately trying to make sense of hamlet’s true intentions with her. Act 3 Scene1, Ophelia is summoned to appear before Claudius and Polonius and pretend to read a book to bait Hamlet into exposing his sanity or insanity to the king. Before she commences with the king and her father, she speaks briefly with Queen Gertrude. Queen Gertrude exits.
Ophilia’s Soliloquy -
My dearest beloved Hamlet, my light, my bane
Why have you forsaken the love you have professed to me?
Can I not ease your worried mind; will you not allow me to assuage your sorrow.
The grave has taken your father; will you allow it to take your sensibility as well.
Will you allow it to take mine; forsake me not my sweet prince of Denmark, I beseech
Thee come to your senses and exalt in the love I have for you.
I ponder the questions set before me, not knowing what the outcome will be.
The burden of grief and the weight of office lie heavy upon your shoulders; your mother
The queen bleeds deeply from the wounds inflicted upon her by your malaise.
Fear not the plotting of others who seek to bind your spirit; cast off the hardship imposed
Upon you by this heavy heart, and become that which you have been before, the sun.
Personal Soliloquy -
Demons: They call me, they grasp at me: they evoke in me the ghosts of my past.
In the depths of my subconscious: he comes for me, they come for me.
He subdues me; he steals my light and innocence. I’ve become mute.
Where’s my voice, I cant find it, I’m lost!
My heart dimmed, I’m not me, and I no longer exist. Who was he to take my life, my light?
Why did I let him, why did I hold my tongue, why didn’t I fight?
I must fight, I will fight: I will take back my life and find a new light. Whole again I will be!
Never again will I let the icy claws grasp at my heart
Never again will I allow the malevolent apparitions to rule my desires.
I mustn’t allow the misdeeds done unto me to stain my heart.
Victory has yet to be claimed, but another war has been declared.
The demon of fear stings me with his venom evoking in me self-loathing and doubt.
Chaos of life’s stresses, anguish, torments, and fears create internal strife and haunt me.
Ice begins to chill my veins again; I hate the world for taking my life away.
I can’t take it I need an escape. I numb myself; I lose myself again and again.
I’m lost again: I can feel the flames of hell creeping up my legs.
I think I’m dead, but then, I feel a light surge through the darkness.
His light is cast upon me and shields me from the grasp of evil and the fires of hell.
He blankets me in peace and love; he whispers words of acceptance and encouragement.
He rejuvenates me with strength and hope: Darkness and demons subside.
I once again have the strength to fight, but will this war ever end?
Conclusion
As, we have seen the Shakespearian drama has lent itself to the development of an entirely new form of literature and art, which is carried over into modern times. The influence of William Shakespeare is unmistakable in all works of literature, which have come after him.
Personally, my soliloquy speaks of an internal struggle that I have to deal with on a daily basis. Do I allow myself to succumb to the stereotype of a woman or child who has had to endure things that no woman or child should ever be subjected to? How do I go on and continue to fight and move forward when it seems at every corner there is a new obstacle presented. Why should I want to try and succeed if I keep being knocked down, unable to complete anything? I have no choice, I can’t back down, and I have to succeed.