Essay | Hamlet's Mental State: in Three Progressive Cases

Through most of Hamlet, the young prince showcases several traits that would argue he is but a little boy lost in a sea of emotion. However, as the play progresses, he gains an amount of insight and experience that allows him to act in a more mature manner. It is through his actions and words in the play that reflect his current level of maturity. As the acts progress, his speech grows more rational. This allows him to act upon his thoughts, although his incessant indecisiveness still holds true. In general, as the plot builds, his emotionalism seems to be held to a lesser importance than his rationality.

In Act I, Hamlet is still emotionally irrational. With this act comes his "O, that this too too solid flesh would melt..." [1.2.133-164] soliloquy. This brings to the forefront his initial melancholia about the events that have taken place. That...
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