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Hamlet

The Search For Hamlet's True Identity in Hamlet

Hamlet's search for his true identity is demonstrated throughout

Shakespeare's play, Hamlet.In Shakespeare's plays, death is known to be a

common theme which results in their ending. In Hamlet's case, he generates an

obsession with death, hate for evil as well as self criticism and questioning

whether he is a coward. Throughout the play Hamlet seems to have an obligation

in which he must fulfill and during the process, he learns new things about himself.

Similar to Dorothy's trip to the Wizard of Oz, Hamlet's task to murder his uncle,

leads him down his own yellow brick road of truth.

Hamlet's obsession with death turns into suicidal thoughts and the infamous

question 'To be or not to be' (3.1.57) is raised. He questions whether to be non

existent through 'The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune' (3.1.59) or to 'Take

arms against a sea of troubles' (3.1.60) By Hamlet being able to question taking

his life or not, it proves he does posses some suicidal traits. "Hamlet's first

soliloquy regrets the religious 'canon 'gainst self-slaughter!' (1.2.132)"

(Shakespeare A To Z.238). The author of the book is suggesting that although

Hamlet brings forth the idea of slaughter, the religious law condemns it, which

Hamlet strongly believes in. Hamlet soon becomes fearful, 'For in that sleep of

death what dreams may come[?]' (3.1.67) and he will be condemned to

purgatory. The thought of purgatory does not sit well with Hamlet, hence when he

had the opportunity to do so while his uncle was praying he could not. Hamlet's

belief in Catholicism is expressed in the scene with his uncle praying, 'To take him

in the purging of his soul, [w]hen he is fit and seasoned for his passage? No!'

(3.3.84-87). Hamlet's moral considerations came into play, therefore preventing

him from being able to act upon his duty.

Hamlet's obsession with death...