Hamlet 7 Soliloquy Analysis

Do you know the simplest method to learning about Hamlet’s character and his search for identity? Reading his seven soliloquies. The soliloquies showed Hamlet’s true and innermost thoughts.These thoughts help the audience come to conclusions about the character. Hamlet’s seven soliloquies provide raw evidence into his search for identity and his true character.

Soliloquy 1 shows a distraught and unhappy Hamlet. “.. Why she, even she, married my uncle..” (Shakespeare 29) describes the entire soliloquy perfectly. Hamlet struggled coming to grips with his mother’s decision to remarry, especially to his uncle. This first soliloquy showed Hamlet’s darkest thoughts to the point where he felt betrayed by his mother.

Next, Hamlet’s second soliloquy shows a horrified and disgusted Hamlet as he learns more about his mother’s scandalous relationship. After

speaking with the ghost, Hamlet finds out more about the relationship and begins putting the pieces together. On line 97 Hamlet declares that no matter what happens, he will not forget what the ghost has told him saying, “Ay, thou poor ghost, whiles memory holds a seat in this distracted globe.” (Shakespeare 61). Hamlet becomes upset with what he has learned and this soliloquy shows his dramatic character as shown on line 94, “O fie! Hold, hold, my heart..” (Shakespeare 61).
Hamlet speaks down on himself and begins working himself up over his missed opportunity to kill Claudius. “O, what a rogue and peasant slave I am!” (Shakespeare 115). Although Hamlet, begins by talking down on himself, he moves on to a new demeanor and eventually becomes more motivated to avenge his father’s death. This third soliloquy shows Hamlet with a more determined outlook on things.
The fourth soliloquy includes Hamlet’s famous, “to be or not to be” (Shakespeare 123) speech. In this soliloquy we see a lost Hamlet struggling to find himself and contemplating suicide. In the fourth soliloquy we see a determined yet indecisive Hamlet. He feels ready to act against Claudius but does not want to act against his mother’s wishes. “Soft, now to my mother.” (Shakespeare 161), Hamlet says as he explains himself.
Act III Scene III shows Hamlet thinking quite logically.

He sees King Claudius and has an opportunity to avenge his father’s death. However, Claudius appears to pray. “Up sword, and know thou a more horrid hent.” (Shakespeare 167), declares Hamlet. He discusses his belief that if he kills Hamlet now, he would go heaven. Hamlet does not believe Claudius deserves to go to heaven, so he decides not to do it. The details of this sixth soliloquy show a more confident and smarter Hamlet.

Soliloquy seven shows a still indecisive Hamlet. Becoming frustrated with himself, he does not know why he has delayed his actions. He wants to avenge the death of his father but cannot figure out when to or find the mental edge to do so.

Throughout the seven soliloquies of Hamlet, the reader sees his growth and maturity. His character grows and he becomes more of a man. Very indecisive at the beginning, Hamlet begins to grow confident with his decisions. Also, Hamlet finds himself throughout the story and grows into a man. Hamlet’s seven soliloquies provide the clearest outlook into his growth in character and his search for self

identity.