Mystery of Death in Hamlet Katrina Brooke Martin 12th Grade

In order to truly appreciate life, or recognize its value, one must be able to comprehend the powerful finality that accompanies death. Furthermore, there also must be comprehension of this topic when seeking to destroy and inflict death on another being. This complex yet crucial concept is demonstrated in Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Throughout Hamlet’s soliloquies, the development of his character is revealed; it is a transformation from inaction to action. However, it is demonstrated throughout the play that prior to successfully seeking revenge on Claudius, Hamlet must first fully appreciate the true nature of death. Evidently, Hamlet has many false perceptions of death which cause him to remain inactive. In Hamlet’s mind, death changes from a neutral subject, to one of fear. He then perceives it to be a vague abstraction, and then sees it as an illustrious yet ominous opponent which he does not have the means to conquer. It is only when Hamlet perceives death correctly – as an inevitable, brutal event – that Hamlet is able to take action. Therefore, Hamlet’s transformation from inaction to action throughout his soliloquies relies heavily on his understanding and perception of the concrete reality of death, as well as the unknowns...