Why Is Hamlet's Soliloquy
Megan Pereira
ENG 4U1-03
Monday December 3rd, 2012
A Painter and his Canvas In Shakespeare’s famous work, Hamlet, imagery is used to reflect and emphasize the many contentious themes Shakespeare reveals within his pieces. Hamlet, in particular, exhibits imagery though his depression, betrayal and hatred. Hamlet is a character who suffers depression along the course of the play. His concave emotions come as a result of his father’s sudden death. In order to gain a superior understanding of the situation Hamlet uses images to exaggerate the emotions he is experiencing. “O, that this too sullied flesh would melt, thaw and resolve itself into a dew; Or that the everlasting had not fix’d his canon ‘gainst self-slaughter.” (Shakespeare 1.2, 129-132). In this situation, Hamlet primarily turns to images of decay. This quote discloses Hamlet's abstruse melancholia and thoughts of suicide. Hamlet almost feels incarcerated to his flesh; he desires to escape from his own body. Through imagery, the audience ultimately feels the magnitude of Hamlet’s depression, without it, the soliloquy would be …show more content…
However, his state of mind soon changes upon learning of Gertrude’s incestuous marriage to his uncle, Claudius. The fact that Gertrude has the audacity to betray her own husband and marry his brother troubles Hamlet. He uses rhetorical language to express his predicament and feelings of hatred towards his mother. “Within a month, ere yet the salt of most unrighteous tears has left the flushing in her galled eyes. She married-O most- wicked speed! To post with such dexterity to incestuous sheets!” (Shakespeare 1.2, 153-157). Through imagery Hamlet expresses disgust for his mother’s action. This aids the audience in visualizing the impact of, and the atmosphere of the situation. Therefore, allowing them to experience the tension, suspense, interest, diversity and mood in an effective
ENG 4U1-03
Monday December 3rd, 2012
A Painter and his Canvas In Shakespeare’s famous work, Hamlet, imagery is used to reflect and emphasize the many contentious themes Shakespeare reveals within his pieces. Hamlet, in particular, exhibits imagery though his depression, betrayal and hatred. Hamlet is a character who suffers depression along the course of the play. His concave emotions come as a result of his father’s sudden death. In order to gain a superior understanding of the situation Hamlet uses images to exaggerate the emotions he is experiencing. “O, that this too sullied flesh would melt, thaw and resolve itself into a dew; Or that the everlasting had not fix’d his canon ‘gainst self-slaughter.” (Shakespeare 1.2, 129-132). In this situation, Hamlet primarily turns to images of decay. This quote discloses Hamlet's abstruse melancholia and thoughts of suicide. Hamlet almost feels incarcerated to his flesh; he desires to escape from his own body. Through imagery, the audience ultimately feels the magnitude of Hamlet’s depression, without it, the soliloquy would be …show more content…
However, his state of mind soon changes upon learning of Gertrude’s incestuous marriage to his uncle, Claudius. The fact that Gertrude has the audacity to betray her own husband and marry his brother troubles Hamlet. He uses rhetorical language to express his predicament and feelings of hatred towards his mother. “Within a month, ere yet the salt of most unrighteous tears has left the flushing in her galled eyes. She married-O most- wicked speed! To post with such dexterity to incestuous sheets!” (Shakespeare 1.2, 153-157). Through imagery Hamlet expresses disgust for his mother’s action. This aids the audience in visualizing the impact of, and the atmosphere of the situation. Therefore, allowing them to experience the tension, suspense, interest, diversity and mood in an effective