What does this quote, from Act 5, mean?

Question

Hamlet

What does this quote, from Act 5, mean?

"Not a whit. We defy augury. There is special providence in the fall of a sparrow. If it be now, 'tis not to come. If it be not to come, it will be now. If it be not now, yet it will come. The readiness is all. Since no man of aught he leaves knows, what is't to leave betimes? Let be." Act Five scene two, ll. 192-8

Asked by Hamlet H #670070 on 7/15/2017 9:08 PM

Last updated by Abdul G #1080677 on 11/25/2020 5:09 PM

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Answered by Aslan on 7/15/2017 9:26 PM

Hamlet says that he cannot defy fate and God's will. There is God's hand in all thing, even the death of a sparrow. Hamlet is making a statement that the universe will unfold as it should and that all living things, including himself, are destined to die.

Answered by Abdul G #1080677 on 11/25/2020 5:09 PM

Here Hamlet seems to reflect about his fate and try to reconcile himself to what is going to befall

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