Hamlet's Second Soliloquy Analysis

Shakespeare’s Hamlet is one of the most interesting, yet confusing pieces of literature ever to be published. There are quite a few different ways in which someone could interpret this play. In act II, scene ii, a few questions may arouse in the readers head to either the characters or Shakespeare.

One question someone could ask Hamlet would be, what did his father mean to him? Did they have a close father-son bond? Hamlet is not subtle with showing his grief. By reading the way Hamlet is described by other characters, such as Ophelia, his disbelief is genuine, but what was their relationship like behind closed doors? Hamlet never really describes what his father meant to him personally. During Hamlet’s second soliloquy, his mood is very confusing.

He goes from blaming himself about what happened to his father and feeling remorse to seeking revenge to whoever killed his father. Considering he is acting this way, one would assume he and his father did have a close relationship, but Hamlet never went into detail about his feelings towards his father. Does he feel another type of guilt? There could be two possible reasons Hamlet could be grieving the way he is. Hamlet could feel this way because he feels as if he took advantage of his father and didn’t have the chance to appreciate him and what he did not only as a dad, but as a King as well. Another reason could be because he feels he was rigged of the time he got to share with his father. Hamlet is only nineteen years old and is just experiencing life now and without his dad he could feel lonely. He doesn’t trust his mother or uncle nor have a relationship with them; he can’t relate to them the way him and his dad could. Someone could be confused with the behavior Hamlet gives as well. His anger and sadness take over him and he is not his authentic self. Why does he act so odd?
Hamlet’s character is a very odd, confused, and sad young man who is grieving the loss of his father. Readers often question his intentions and thoughts because of the lack of background he gives, especially with his father. During act II, scene ii, he shows different emotions and expresses them in various ways which confuses the reader.