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Hamlet is a play by William Shakespeare, and one of his most famous works. The play
tells the story of Hamlet, prince of Denmark, who is haunted by the ghost of his father,
King Hamlet. The ghost tells Hamlet that he was murdered by his brother, Claudius,
who then married Hamlet's mother, Gertrude. Hamlet is tasked with avenging his
father's death, but he struggles to do so. He is plagued by doubts and indecision, and
he eventually goes mad.
Hamlet's soliloquies are some of the most famous speeches in all of literature. They
provide a window into Hamlet's mind, and they reveal his thoughts and feelings about
his situation. The soliloquies also help to develop the plot of the play, as they show
Hamlet's progress in his quest for revenge.
● "O that this too too solid flesh would melt, Thaw and resolve itself into dew." (Act
1, Scene 2)
● "O, what a rogue and peasant slave am I!" (Act 2, Scene 2)
● "To be, or not to be, that is the question." (Act 3, Scene 1)
● "Oh my offence is rank, it smells to heaven." (Act 3, Scene 3)
● "Now might I do it pat, now he is praying." (Act 3, Scene 3)
● "How all occasions do inform against me." (Act 4, Scene 4)
● "O, for a muse of fire!" (Act 5, Scene 1)
Each of these soliloquies reveals a different aspect of Hamlet's character. In the first
soliloquy, he expresses his despair and his desire to die. In the second soliloquy, he
berates himself for his cowardice. In the third soliloquy, he contemplates the meaning of
life and death. In the fourth soliloquy, he feels guilt for not killing Claudius while he was
praying. In the fifth soliloquy, he complains about the obstacles that are preventing him
from carrying out his revenge. In the sixth soliloquy, he longs for the inspiration to write
a play about his situation.
The soliloquies of Hamlet are essential to the play. They provide insights into Hamlet's
character, and they help to drive the plot forward. They are also some of the most
beautiful and moving speeches in all of literature.
The soliloquies of Hamlet are a vital part of the play. They provide insights into Hamlet's
character, they help to drive the plot forward, and they are some of the most beautiful
and moving speeches in all of literature.