Hamlet Am I A Coward Analysis

Throughout Shakespeare’s Hamlet, characters are seen to shy away from trouble, taking the safe route. Shakespeare specifically highlights Hamlet, showing that he is consistently afraid. Because he sees both cowardice in himself and in others, Hamlet believes that humans are essentially weak beings. Hamlet is quite aware that he is a cowardly person, and he is shown to be so through self-characterization and Shakespeare’s use of language. Hamlet asks himself, “Am I a coward?” (2.2.530), first showing his questioning of his courage. By making this a question, the reader is caused to ask this same question in regards to Hamlet. And by simply doubting his own bravery, Hamlet deems himself a coward. More directly, Hamlet calls himself “pigeon-livered”, “lack[ing] gall”(2.2.538). Hamlet has come to the conclusion that he

Self-doubt envelops Hamlet, only increasing his cowardice. Hamlet will not take action, and he thinks to a fault. He is very self-aware of his struggles, as he constantly chastises himself throughout his soliloquies. However, Hamlet knows that he is very capable of accomplishing the tasks set before him. Shakespeare shows this when Hamlet says, “Sith I have cause, and will, and strength, and means To do't.” (4.4.46) It’s not the inability to complete tasks that holds Hamlet back, it’s simply his inability to act and his process of overthinking. Each of his soliloquies rants about the same topic in excruciating detail, showing the reader how much Hamlet thinks about each aspect of his life. When questioning his own courage, Hamlet states, “Who calls me “villain”? Breaks my pate across? Plucks off my beard and blows it in my face? Tweaks me by the nose? Gives me the lie i' th' throat As deep as to the lungs? Who does me this?” (2.2.531) Hamlet is