Soliloquies in Hamlet

Hamlet Soliloquies Act I, Scene ii, 129 - Hamlet Hamlet in this particular soliloquy is lamenting the poor state of things he finds upon returning home. Just before his emotional speech, Claudius, Hamlet's uncle, announces the sudden death of Hamlet's father, the late King of Denmark. In the same mourning speech, Claudius also declares his taking the throne and marrying the widowed queen, Gertrude. Because of this, there is a festive tone to the atmosphere, and Hamlet, it appears, seems to be the only one in mourning.

The main points in Hamlet's speech revolve around his father's cruel end and his mother's sudden marriage to Claudius. Keeping in mind that Hamlet had been abroad until the recent news hit, hearing about his father's death becomes a gigantic blow to Hamlet's well-being. Upon arriving and discovering that his mother is already remarried, Hamlet further breaks down and laments over the fickleness and "frailty" of women.

For the majority of the speech, the mourning Prince of Denmark notes that his mother, a woman who once doted so lovingly on her husband, quickly marries Claudius only a month after the King's death. Yet, even with this anger and resentment within Hamlet, he chooses to remain silent over his feelings. In this soliloquy, we, as the audience, see the tension and growing unease in Hamlet's mind. We get a sense of timing in the events and see the speed of which Claudius takes over and marries Gertrude.

Hamlet's anger is apparent here, and this unease in his mind foreshadows his reaction to the appearance of his father's ghost. Later on, this choice of brooding becomes paramount in Hamlet's character; his conception of females pushes Ophelia away, and his silent rage becomes unhealthy and tantamount to his vengeance. Act III, Scene i, 141 - Ophelia Ophelia speaks of Hamlet's mind, how it is broken and unsound. The soliloquy occurs just after her confrontation with Hamlet, who, before his "madness," had since been doting on her.

However, as they encounter each other in the large hall -- and in the hidden presence of both Claudius and her father, Pollonius -- it looks to Ophelia that Hamlet no longer cares for her or even notices her. While it still remains unclear where Hamlet's emotions lie (and whether his reaction was just an act), Ophelia's perplexity is absolute. This is where the audience finds as the context for her soliloquy.

In the soliloquy, Ophelia laments the passing of a "noble mind." She states that prior to their conversation, Hamlet had been a harmonious, loving, and princely creature, a man whom she had come to love. What she finds instead both disappoints and confuses her, for Hamlet's mind is "out of tune," and there is nothing princely or loving or harmonious about him. In fact, throughout her speech, we see that she regrets having witnessed the change, for Ophelia knew Hamlet when he was still the dashing gentleman who loved her.

Of course, Ophelia is unaware of what is transpiring in the sidelines, which will eventually spell her doom. Ophelia's confusion is the most important character reaction in this speech, for we see Hamlet's effect on her. She is worried for his mental health, which seems to be getting dangerous by the minute. Yet she is also perplexed by it, and -- for a young woman who had been vigorously courted by Hamlet -- just a little heartbroken.

We see that this plays a crucial part in Ophelia's madness, for she later learns of the death of her father in the hands of her beloved prince. Act III, scene iii, 36 - King Claudius Just before Claudius undergoes a prayer service, he converses with his advisor, Pollonius. In this particular scene, Claudius plots with Pollonius over eavesdropping on Hamlet and Queen Gertrude. Just as Pollonius leaves, King Claudius is left alone to ruminate over his past actions.

The soliloquy Claudius shows many facets to this plotting king, who just so recently overthrew his own brother for his ambitions. Alone, Claudius frees himself up for prayer, an act that does save his life for the time being. Claudius's character is multi-faceted in this scene. He feels somewhat guilty for the sins he has committed and laments over the great amount that must be washed from his hands. He worries over how much "God's mercy" will help him when he dies.

He begs to the heavens to help him in his crimes, showing his vulnerability. But most of all, Claudius tries to justify and reason his sins through the temptations of ambition, jealousy, and lust. He blames his transgressions on Gertrude and his brother. While Claudius prays, he continues to plot crimes against Hamlet, even doing so much as having Hamlet's friends -- Rosencrantz and Guildenstern -- spy on him.

For a time, we see a more remorseful Claudius; this side of him comes out again later, when the farce play of his brother's murder is reenacted. Claudius, obviously seeing through the play's plot, storms out; he is sickened to his stomach with grief (this is a final proof for Hamlet, who stages the play in order to catch his uncle's reaction). Furthermore, Claudius's attempt at prayer saves his life, for just after his soliloquy, Hamlet enters the scene to contemplate vengeance for the late King.

Of course, Hamlet does not go through with this plot, and Claudius -- who looks pious in prayer, goes unharmed for a few more acts. Act III, scene iii, 73 - Hamlet The context of this soliloquy is similar to the scene as described in the previous page. However, in this case, the soliloquy is in Hamlet's point-of-view, and he was not privy to the conversation between Claudius and Pollonius. Instead, Hamlet has just recently spoken to his.