Monday, May 18, 2015

Soliloquy: Act 1. Sc.5 99-119

In response to his late, ghostly father's implications and demands-
As far as I can tell, there are three distinct sections to this soliloquy. As we know, young Hamlet is not accustom to the deceit of the world outside of his books and studies, being reserved and of the studious nature. After news of his Uncle's treachery, one can only imagine that Hamlet is overwhelmed and bewildered by Claudius' calm and temperate countenance. He feels weak. He shouts out words of encouragement to himself while cursing both heaven and earth (I'll refrain from quoting. Instead I'll write the line numbers) 99-102. He calls upon the strength inside himself and the strength lent by the wrong done to his father. He was beginning to falter, but now we see him in a more determined state. He is mustering all of his strength in order to avenge his father. 

Hamlet then makes a vow. Emboldened by the memory of his father and outraged by the inherent injustice of the world, he swears to dedicate himself to the task his ghostly father has laid down before him. He promises to replace everything he has learned in order to dedicate himself wholly to the enactment of his revenge. He promises and promises that any matter not pertinent to his demanding task will be allowed no effort and expense on his part. His revenge must be as swift and thorough as his Uncle's early wedding, so to speak. (103-111)

In his exasperation, he begins to curse. He curses his mother for her perniciousness. He curses the very villains that have made this injustice possible. He cannot seem to fathom how someone can be so false. He is so encumbered by his bewilderment that he cannot help but curse out onto the heavens and to the people who are deserving of his wraith. Finally, he puts his oath down in writing. He has sworn to remember his father by avenging his death (112-119). 

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