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Why Is Hamlet's First Soliloquy

389 Words2 Pages

“The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark” Essay William Shakespeare was able to convey Hamlet’s frustration in the popular soliloquy of “The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark” by utilizing infinitive phrases and iambic pentameter. The use of infinitive phrases throughout Hamlet’s soliloquy expresses Hamlet terrified of his duty to kill King Claudius, his uncle who killed his father. In his most popular quote, “To be or not to be…” (line 64), he asks the questions whether or not he should carry out his dad’s request or to end his life along with his responsibilities. Soon after his quote, he later said “To grunt and sweat under a weary life…” (line 85-91), Hamlet in this part of the soliloquy expresses his hesitation to enter the afterlife, afraid of the unknown awaiting him. To use these phrases throughout the soliloquy emphasizes Hamlet’s frustration by giving a memorable, philosophical question for the …show more content…

The use of iambic pentameter, a second stroke rhythm pattern, gives off a pattern similar to that of a heartbeat. As Hamlet’s soliloquy progresses, it gets more emotional and powerful because of the nature of technique. Imitating the sound of Hamlet’s heart, beating louder and stronger emphasizes Hamlet’s fear, doubt, and ineasiness towards his duty. Using this device not only impersonates his heartbeat, it also conveys Hamlet’s swaying emotion, At first, he want “To die: to sleep..”(line 68) but later changed his mind, which demonstrates that Hamlet’s insecurities with his situation. The heartbeat patterned structure of iambic pentameter enhances Hamlet’s currently wavering feelings with the sounds going from stressed strokes to short strokes. By implementing this technique, Shakespeare flawlessly brought Hamlet’s emotions to life, having the audience feel the weight of his burden, alongside his anger and frustration through the rhythm, structuring, and phrasing of his

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