The Significance Of State Of Mind In Shakespeare's Hamlet

Hamlet is an enigmatic and contemplative character who is often puzzled with difficult, confusing questions that seem impossible to answer with certainty. Due to the unusual circumstances surrounding the royal family, he becomes obsessed with seeking proof and discovering the truth for himself. This fixation upon differentiating fact and fiction causes Hamlet to wander within his own thoughts. With a mind filled with uncertainty and ambiguity, it is only fitting that his actions reflect this state of mind. “Watch your thoughts - they become your words. Watch your words - they become your actions. Watch your actions - they become your destiny.” The quote outlines the transition between ones thoughts, actions and destiny. Controlling the
outcome of a situation begins with guiding ones thoughts in the right direction and failure to do so may result in undesirable consequences. The predominant theme of indecision (due to Hamlet’s uncertainty) leads to the unnecessary deaths of Ophelia, Polonius, and ultimately himself. Polonius is an irrelevant character in terms of the disputes within the royal family, however finds his place by scheming with Claudius for his own purposes. His death seems like a simple mistake – being at the wrong place at the wrong time, however, the real culprit for his demise is Hamlet’s impulsive behaviour as a result of his indecision. The queen’s confrontation with her son is a prime example of how Hamlet’s uncertainty and doubt about his knowledge forces him to act without thinking. Hamlet says, “How now? A rat? Dead for a ducat, dead” (III.iv.25). Hamlet’s rash, murderous act of stabbing Polonius is an important illustration of his inability to coordinate his thoughts and actions, which can be considered as his fundamental flaw. In Hamlet’s contemplative, thoughtful mood on the other hand, he is overwhelmed by moral and emotional considerations, and thus fails to act even when the opportunity knocks on his door. It seems as though Hamlet is so haunted by his uncertainties and indecision, he believes that his revenge would likely come as an accident rather than a deliberate act. As a result of his indecision to act, he finds himself blindly thrusting his sword at Polonius, resulting in his avoidable and unfortunate death. Ophelia is a beautiful, young girl who innocently allows men such as Polonius and Laertes to dictate her actions.
They believe that Hamlet desires to take her virginity and throw it away, which contrasts the fact that her heart is convinced that the prince truly loves her. Throughout the play, Hamlet’s feelings for her seem to fluctuate and it seems as though he cannot decide if he loves Ophelia or not. His disgust towards women is evident through his harsh words directed at Ophelia, “Or, if thou wilt needs marry, marry a fool, for wise men know well enough what monsters you make of them. To a nunnery, go, and quickly too” (III.i.138 – 141). Hamlet contrasts his initial words of rage by professing his love for her, exhibiting his indecision about his feelings. “I loved Ophelia. Forty thousand brothers with all their quantity of love make up my sum” (IV.i.265 – 267). Furthermore, the death of her father as a result of Hamlet’s erratic behaviour drove her insane, and eventually provoked her to take her own life. The theme of indecision is prevalent in Ophelia’s death because it was triggered by Hamlet’s indecision about his feelings towards her, and his erratic behaviour due to his
uncertainty. Moreover, a dire consequence of Hamlet’s inability to make decisions and act upon them is that it allows other characters in the play to advance their own plans forward, which eventually is the cause of his own death. Characters such as Claudius, Polonius and Laertes have their own intentions and desires for the future. The seed of the plot is Hamlet’s objective to seek revenge on behalf of his dead father’s ghost, however, his moral consideration and constant reflection about the legitimacy of circumstances prevents Hamlet from taking any real action and propelling his plan forward. Even when the opportunity to effortlessly eliminate Claudius arises, Hamlet avoids the crucial act by once again concerning himself in an issue of knowledge. Hamlet states,
“And now I’ll do ’t. And so he goes to heaven.
And so am I revenged.—That would be scanned.
A villain kills my father, and, for that,
I, his sole son, do this same villain send
To heaven” (III.iii.73 – 78).

Hamlet claims he wants to damn Claudius out of fairness for his own father but is forced to admit that he will never be certain about the fate of Claudius’ soul.
Consequently, it is possible to conclude that after proving the validity of his uncle’s crimes, Hamlet seeks for another excuse to prevent action. Following this missed opportunity; Claudius and Laertes accomplish their goal of killing Hamlet by successfully arranging and carrying out the swordfight. Thus, the theme of indecision is once again predominant because if Hamlet proceeded with certainty during times of importance, he would have completed his plot for revenge even before his enemies had the chance to conspire against
him. Being challenged with difficult, abstract questions and thoughts often exposes Prince Hamlet’s philosophical character. His constant self-reflection creates an enigmatic and mysterious image, which readers find very fascinating. However, it forces him to be very uncertain about his surroundings and knowledge. The indecision that derives from this uncertainty is a predominant theme in the play because it is constantly seen through Hamlet’s actions – or rather his inaction. Hamlet avoids action whenever possible, often succumbing to his misguided and scattered thoughts. His inability to make decisions is the prime cause for the deaths of Ophelia, Polonius and eventually himself, but is also responsible for creating the suspenseful, plot-driven play that it is.