In William Shakespeares Hamlet there are four major soliloquies that reflect the character of Hamlet. In this paper I will be analyzing and discussing how these four soliloquies reflect changes in Hamlets mental state; his changing attitudes toward life and the other characters in the play, particularly the women; and his reflection on the task of revenge that has been assigned to him. These four soliloquies are the backbones of the play, and they offer the audience a glimpse into Hamlets mind and thought processes.In the first soliloquy it is very obvious that Hamlets sanity is in question. This is apparent in the first four lines of this soliloquy. O that this too solid flesh would melt, Thaw and resolve itself into a dew, Or that the Everlasting had not fixed, His canon gainst self-slaughter, O God! God! (42) These few lines show that Hamlet is so depressed that he wishes he could melt away into nothingness or commit suicide. It is also very apparent in this soliloquy, that Hamlet is beginning to loath his mother for marrying Claudius only one month after King Hamlets death. Hamlet loathes his mother and begins to loath all women, because he believes they are all weak. Let me not think ont! Frailty, They name is women! (42) Hamlet seems to view Denmark as a metaphorical garden of Eden which now totally corrupt, this can be seen when Hamlet says Tis an unweeded garden, That grows to seed; things rank and gross in nature. (42) This soliloquy presents the audience a glimpse into Hamlets psyche, he is obviously enraged at his mothers marriage, the state of Denmark, and he is still mourning his fathers death.The second soliloquy is very intriguing and it helps to set up many events that happen during the play. Hamlet is first wondering how an actor, who has no true emotional connection to the play was performing can seem to have such deep emotions; while he in reality is feeling unfathomable pain and anguish and he cannot due anything...
