Essay Sample on Soliloquies: Uncovering the Innermost Beliefs of Characters

Introduction

In consideration of soliloquies, they play a significant role in outlining the feelings and thoughts of the involved character in the play. Primarily, soliloquy reveals the innermost beliefs of the characters by offering unbiased perspectives since it is merely the character communicating to the audience. In Hamlet, Shakespeare's soliloquies entitle the audience or the reader the opportunity to witness the occurrences in the character's mind. However, while the characters speak the soliloquies, they ensure that the reader acquires insights into Shakespeare's concerns on the concerns of the involved characters. Within Shakespeare's Hamlet, there are three significant soliloquies employed. For example, there is the first soliloquy in Act 1 Scene 2 delivering "Oh that this too solid flesh would melt..." The second monologue is found in Act 2 Scene 2 in the Hamlet play stating that, "Now I am alone. O, what a rogue and peasant slave am I..." while the third soliloquy is in Act 3 Scene 1 delivering, "To be, or not to be ..." (Lavender, 2003).

Is your time best spent reading someone else’s essay? Get a 100% original essay FROM A CERTIFIED WRITER!

Save 25%

However, in this case, I select the soliloquy in Act 3 Scene 1 in Shakespeare's Hamlet quote, "To be, or not to be..." (Shakespeare, 1885). Within this soliloquy, Hamlet is attempting to portray a baffled man since he is unsure of him, and his thoughts often wander between different extremes as a result of the relatively strange personality. Through the use of this soliloquy, Hamlet is torn between life and death wondering whether it is better to allow himself to be tormented by the wrongs he considers outrageous fortunes or to arm himself against them, bringing them to an end. Correspondingly, Hamlet is seen contemplating suicide and considers the event of suicide by using a dagger as one might avoid 'scorns and whips. Within the monologue, Hamlet also considers seeking revenge for his father's death, which is evident in his uncertainty and overthinking, which is also apparent in other sections of the play (Lavender, 2003).

Furthermore, this soliloquy displays inner thoughts for the audience in dramatic form in different ways. For example, as Hamlet puts committing suicide in consideration, it is evident that Hamlet is wavering and overthinking between the extremes (life and death). On the other hand, he attempts to analyse both situations and thinks deeply concerning the consequences faced in case of either action. Through the various instances of overthinking, this displays the dramatic ways in which the monologue presents Hamlet's inner thoughts. Also, the quote, "dread of something after death, the undiscovered country from whose bourn No traveller returns, puzzles the will" (Act 3 Scene 1, 78-80) displays the inclination on why Hamlet is afraid of choosing the unknown which is death.

The soliloquy not only delivers details concerning Hamlet's difficulty in choosing between life and death but also depicts the struggle Hamlet faces in choosing between killing Claudius or not. Although Hamlet wanted to kill the uncle and avenge his father's death, he was scared of the possible outcomes or consequences that would befall him and could not make a decisive decision. In consideration to a vast collection of details in this Hamlet's soliloquy from the play, the inner thoughts are displayed in forms of doubts, overthinking, indecisiveness, and uncertainty as Hamlet is afraid of doing the wrong things partly because of his conscience. Also, Hamlet is scared of the potential consequences that could develop based on his religious upbringing; however, it is evident that Hamlet still does not know what the right thing is in the eyes of God (Newell, 1965).

Soliloquy Composition Expressing Gertrude's Point of View

As the soliloquies in Shakespeare's Hamlet illustrate a man wracked by grief, but not knowing how to go about responding to what happened, Hamlet is attempting to make sense of his overwhelming grief. However, in the composition of a soliloquy expressing the point of view of one character, I considered Gertrude. The monologue would read, "Look now, my son pinning and blaming me for the death of his father, how could he dare think of me that way? How could he speak to me in such a reckless manner? What have I done wrong to deserve such treatment from my son? My son is turning to be enemy, and it haunts me to think that, that is how I brought him up. How I wish things were different because I am disappointed and outraged at his incredulity and attitude towards his mother. Perhaps Hamlet is losing his sanity, or maybe, somebody has bewitched my son."

The point of view in Hamlet is near Hamlet himself in that in most cases; it is impossible to comprehend whether something is happening in the play or whether Hamlet is just overthinking of its occurrence. For example, even though Barnardo, Horatio, and Marcellus see the Ghost in the play, only Hamlet hears its words, and when it appears in Gertrude's closet, only Hamlet can see it. In as much as Shakespeare attempt to tell the play in unreliable narrator's point of view, Gertrude is seen to revolve around feelings. Within the play, the use of Gertrude delivers different opinions and thoughts to the audience. In this case, concerning the soliloquy implying uncertainty, Gertrude causes significant uncertainties. For instance, the play seems to render more questions than answers, particularly in offering the points of view in Shakespeare's Hamlet. Gertrude leaves the readers or the audience wondering about her involvement with Claudius before the demise of her husband, her love for her husband, her knowledge of Claudius's plan to murder, along with her reasons for marrying Claudius (Hirsh & Gilbert, 2006).

Moreover, Gertrude offers uncertainty, whereby her intentions for betraying Hamlet to Claudius are not clear. With such questions, they are answerable based on different points of view. For example, the Gertrude that emerges in Hamlet is a woman defined by her need and desire for affection and tendency to use men to achieve her aspirations and instinct for self-preservation. After Hamlet confronts her, she immediately runs to Claudius, exhibiting her inability to think critically about situations.

In a vast section of the play, concerning Hamlet and Gertrude, most of the events and occurrence are surrounded by a sense of feelings. Through this, it means that the composed soliloquy would offer better chances and opportunities to identify the precise point of view. As the audience explores details concerning Hamlet's involvement with Gertrude, it would deliver a proper and significant aspect of light and perceptions which are critical, particularly in plays. Additionally, since the soliloquy encompasses Gertrude's feelings, actions, and practices, I would insert the soliloquy after the confrontation and argument between Hamlet and his Gertrude after she is outraged by his accusation of Gertrude's involvement with Claudius plan to murder Hamlet's father. Specifically, I would insert this additional speech in Act 3, Scene 4 of the play. It is because, Act 3, Scene 4 offers details on the happenings in Gertrude's chamber involving Hamlet and Polonius along with the confrontation between Gertrude and Hamlet, which clarifies on the intentions of Hamlet.

Soliloquy Expressing the Central Narrative of My Life

According to the Hamlet, there are different ways through which Shakespeare uses characters to derive various occurrence into existence. For example, it is evident that Hamlet is alright; however, through the different soliloquies, they provide a provide perception of the narratives in Hamlet's life. Hamlet struggles with the decisions on life and death, which encompass right versus wrong. Soliloquy plays a significant role in depicting a character and attempting to resolve an internal conflict so as the audience can see how Hamlet makes the wrong choices. Even though Hamlet resides alone majorly, it aids in revealing Hamlet's deepest secret, innermost thoughts, and other sentimental feelings that illustrate internal struggle.

Nonetheless, in consideration of a soliloquy of myself, I am a wife, mother, grandmother, and a registered nurse working in a hospital. Helping other people, mainly the sick, has never been easy at any point. At the same time, it is a blessing being able to help others and accord them all the care they require. In my life, as a mother, a wife, and a grandmother, I have learned to help people without expecting anything back from them. Mostly, in my occupation as a registered nurse, I have encountered numerous individuals, and It is always my joy to help them. I believe that when I am improving or assisting other people, it is a happiness I cannot describe since it gives me fulfilment and satisfaction.

At different times in my life, I Have had to face the reality of helping people when no one helps me at times an occasion that discourages me from helping others; however, I have never affected my capacity to help. I believe, to give is a blessing that it is to receive. During such trying times, when I feel helpless, I carry on to my true self being ignoring the implications that I do not need to do good. When I am interacting with my patients, my heart feels with compassion and joy every time I make them feel better about their health and other occurrences knowing that they may not notice it; however, it is human nature. I remember different cases when I have helped needy families and patients, and I know I have an impact on improving the quality of life they lead.

In numerous cases, I have had to forego specific claims, family time, and my time as well to ensure that I not only help other people but serve them accordingly. At the beginning of everything, particularly, as a registered nurse, as a wife and a mother, I was hoping that everything got easier; however, nothing has gotten easier. Through the journey, I have learned that this has contributed to my present state able to handle everything. You cannot stop the waves, but you can always learn to surf. Also, we could have a smaller problem, but it is best to pray for strength to handle the severe and trying times. I might not be as rich, but I often share anything I can because I believe that helping is very helpful. It is a joy that I can help others in need, my patients in the hospital, as well as my family member, and I will continue harbouring blessings, contentedness, and joy.

References

Hirsh, J., & Gilbert, A. J. (2006). Shakespeare and the History of Soliloquies. Early Theatre, 9(1), 142-145.

Lavender, A. (2003). Hamlet in Pieces: Shakespeare revisited by Peter Brook, Robert Lepage, and Robert Wilson. A&C Black.

Newell, A. (1965). The Dramatic Context and Meaning of Hamlet's" To Be or Not to Be" Soliloquy. Publications of the Modern Language Association of America, 38-50.

Shakespeare, W. (1885). The tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark. SR Winchell & Company.