Close Analysis – Hamlet Jacqui Ansett

Shakespeare uses this particular passage to unfold the emotions and feelings of the protagonist ‘Hamlet’. Within this passage Hamlet is the only character whom speaks but he speaks of those around him from his point of view. The passage reveals that Hamlet is suicidal ‘Gainst self slaughter. O’God, God’. Although Hamlet considers suicide he cannot for that is not of God’s will. Although the play ‘Hamlet’ is not necessarily about religion it makes many references to Christianity such as this one. The symbolic reference to the ‘unweeded garden’ mirrors Hamlets ongoing problems, struggles and un-finished business in life. This also touches on how Hamlet views himself and his mental state as he describes himself as ‘weary, stale, flat and unprofitable’. This heavily ties into later events in the novel where Hamlet’s mental state also known as madness and the ability to recognise the difference between mortality and reality.

Within this speech of Hamlet’s he deeply reflects on his feelings towards his family especially his mother. That the king of Denmark (Hamlet’s father) has died and his queen (Hamlet’s mother) does not seem to mourn. ‘She married. Oh at the most wicked speed’. This reflects that Hamlet was not content with his mother remarrying which leads to many arguments and heated debates throughout the play. Hamlet touches on the issue of his uncle who was the new King of Denmark now he had remarried the Queen. Hamlet describes him as ‘a beast’. Although Hamlet does not agree with the situations going around him he is to afraid to stand up and do something about it, he sees himself as ‘frailty, thy name is woman’ as in the era of Hamlet women were perceived as weaker than men not only in a physical sense but also emotionally and intellectually.

Hamlet’s last line ‘But break, my heart, for I must hold my tongue’. Shakespeare uses this line to convey to his audience that Hamlet was not ready to confront his mother and King Claudius of their wrong doings and not showing the respect to his father as he deserves.

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