Hamlet

The obscurity of human thought and sentiment inhibits the possibility of

understanding an individual’s actions. The human mind is composed of its own

due process, which, in certain individuals, might disable the ability to make

decisions and act. In the play Hamlet the protagonist is marked by an indecisive

nature. By analyzing every aspect of a possible action, Hamlet inevitably finds a

reason not to act. His actions are untimely. The often procrastination of serious

acts lead to an even more complicated situation. The complexities of the events

which take place in the play do not always provide Hamlet with a possible clear

decision. He is constantly faced with a challenging dilemma that adds to the

intricacy of his life. Hamlet is overly conscious and unable to make a decision

because of the uncertainty of the consequences that might follow. There is a

constant threat that reaction these consequences will not be what he expects,

possibly being detrimental to his cause. This deters him from attempting to

execute any of his machinations. All these factor demonstrate that Hamlet does

not suffer from a failure of will, but rather of an over analytical character that

impedes him from taking any significant action.

By constantly questioning every aspect of a possible action, Hamlet

ultimately finds a reason no to act. He is constantly contemplating on the

possibility of self-slaughter. This is evident in his soliloquies and disregard

towards life. Hamlet expresses his sentiments, regarding the fact that his dear

mother married his uncle only two months after the death of his father, by saying

these lines:

“O, that this too too sullied flesh would melt,
Thaw, and resolve itself into a dew!
…How weary, stale, flat, and unprofitable
Seem to me all the uses of this world!” ( I ii, 129-130, 133-134)

This excerpt clearly demonstrates Hamlet’s belief that suicide is a possible and

realistic option. His grief is so immense and his mother’s actions are so repugnant

the life has no meaning for him. But Hamlet does not kill himself, he finds a

reason not to; “Or that the Everlasting had not fixed -- His cannon ‘gainst self-

slaughter!”( I ii, 131-32) he explains. Hamlet fears damnation, he will not kill

himself because it is a mortal sin allowing no possibility for salvation. Hamlet

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Hamlet is marked not by strength of will or even of passion but by refinement of

thought and sentiment. His indecisive character presents an obstacle in the

realization of his contrivances. By over analyzing any possible action he might

take, Hamlet often finds a reason impeding from taking any significant action.

When and if he took any of those actions they were too late. Hamlet finds himself

making the “least worse” decision, due to the fact that there is no clear right

decision to take. The intricacies of the plots add to Hamlet’s desperation and

indecisiveness. Hamlet is real; one can identify with him. The uncertainty his of

life provides no clear path, but rather a rugged and confusing road. Many times

there is no right answer. He must use his discrimination to choose the best

possibility. Hamlet, unfortunately, lacks this ability. The quintessence of Hamlet’

tragedy is basically expressed in these words (ironically belonging to Hamlet

himself): “Why, what an ass am I! This is most brave that I, the son of a dear

father murdered, prompted to my revenge by heaven and hell, must like a whore

unpack my heart with words…”( II ii, 583-586)