This soliloquy depicts Hamlet's character is weak, beat down, angry, and helpless.
What I believe Hamlet is trying to convey in this first soliloquy is that he is depressed and finding a hard time fitting in with the world. Hamlet’s father, the king, has passed away only two months ago and he is deeply grieving this man, whom he loved dearly. Another event that plagues Hamlet is his mother’s hasty marriage to the king’s brother, Claudius. Hamlet feels as though his mother has betrayed his father by doing this and feels that she is, not to mix words, an incestuous whore. Hamlet seems to be consumed by his mother’s marriage to his uncle, and it appears that he may have somewhat of an oedipus complex. Hamlet is not fond of Claudius and hates that he calls him “son.” He seems to only accept this out of respect for his mother. Hamlet has such a large range of emotions going through him right now: depression, suicidal thoughts, regret, grief, anger, disgust, confusion, helplessness, and frustration. Hamlet is fixated on death and this speech allows the reader to feel how low Hamlet has fallen. We feel how the death of Hamlet’s father is affecting him and the marriage of his mother to his uncle. Hamlet is deeply disturbed by these things, but feels helpless in doing anything.
This soliloquy depicts Hamlet's character is weak, beat down, angry, and helpless.
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