Soliloquy 4.4
How all occasions do inform against me, (35)
And spur my dull revenge! What is a man,
If his chief good and market of his time
Be but to sleep and feed? a beast, no more.
Sure, he that made us with such large discourse,
Looking before and after, gave us not (40)
That capability and god-like reason
To fust in us unused. Now, whether it be
Bestial oblivion, or some craven scruple
Of thinking too precisely on the event,
A thought which, quarter'd, hath but one part wisdom (45)
And ever three parts coward, I do not know
Why yet I live to say 'This thing's to do;'
Sith I have cause and will and strength and means
To do't. Examples gross as earth exhort me:
Witness this army of such mass and charge (50)
Led by a delicate and tender prince,
Whose spirit with divine ambition puff'd
Makes mouths at the invisible event,
Exposing what is mortal and unsure
To all that fortune, death and danger dare, (55)
Even for an egg-shell. Rightly to be great
Is not to stir without great argument,
But greatly to find quarrel in a straw
When honour's at the stake. How stand I then,
That have a father kill'd, a mother stain'd, (60)
Excitements of my reason and my blood,
And let all sleep? while, to my shame, I see
The imminent death of twenty thousand men,
That, for a fantasy and trick of fame,
Go to their graves like beds, fight for a plot (65)
Whereon the numbers cannot try the cause,
Which is not tomb enough and continent
To hide the slain? O, from this time forth,
My thoughts be bloody, or be nothing worth!
NOTES
[Source: http://shakespeare.about.com/od/studentresources/a/allinform.htm Amanda Mabillard, B.A. (Honors) is a freelance writer specializing in Shakespeare, Renaissance political theory, theatre history, comparative literary history, and linguistic topics in Renaissance literature.]
inform against ] Accuse me.
market ] Employment.
discourse ] The power of reason. God gave human beings the ability to reflect on life's events.
Looking before and after ] Our intelligence allows us to analyze past experiences and make rational judgments about the future.
fust ] Grow mouldy. Hamlet is saying that God did not give us the power of reason for it to go unused.
Bestial oblivion ] The forgetfulness of an animal. Our capability to remember separates mankind from other animals or "beasts". But Hamlet forgetting Claudius's deeds is clearly not why he delays the murder.
craven scruple ] Cowardly feelings.
of ] From.
event ] Outcome.
quarter'd ] Meticulously analyzed (literally, divided into four).
Sith ] Since.
gross ] Obvious.
mass and charge ] Size and cost. Hamlet is referring to the army led by Fortinbras, prince of Norway. Hamlet wishes he had Fortinbras's courage.
puff'd ] Inflated.
Makes mouths at the invisible event ] Shows contempt for (or cares not about) the uncertain outcome of battle.
Rightly to be great...stake ] Truly great men refrain from fighting over insignificant things, but they will fight without hesitation over something trivial when their honour is at risk. "True nobility of soul is to restrain one's self unless there is a great cause for resentment, but nobly to recognize even a trifle as such as cause when honour is involved" (Kittredge 121). Ironically, "Hamlet never learns from the Captain or attempts to clarify what the specific issue of honor is that motivates the Prince of Norway. In fact, there is none, for the play has made it clear that Fortinbras's uncle, after discovering and stopping his nephew's secret and illegal revenge campaign against Claudius, encouraged him to use newly levied forces to fight in Poland...Since no issue of honor is to be found in Fortinbras's cause, Hamlet, through his excessive desire to emulate the Norwegian leader, ironically calls into question whether there is any honour in his own cause" (Newell 143). [Mr. Cook adds: or, perhaps, Hamlet’s mind has once again moved from the particular (Fortinbras and his army) to the abstract (consideration of what defines greatness). It seems Fortinbras and his army are not important in and of themselves but in how they “inform against” (indict, critique, etc.) Hamlet’s inaction.]
twenty thousand men ] In line 25, it was 20000 ducats and only 2000 men. It is undecided whether this confusion is Hamlet's or Shakespeare's.
blood ] Passions.
trick of fame ] Trifle of reputation. But is not Hamlet jealous of Fortinbras and his ability to fight in defense of his honour? "Fortinbras is enticed by a dream, and thousands must die for it. Hamlet's common sense about the absurdity of Fortinbras's venture shows the pointlessness of his envy" (Edwards 193).
Whereon...slain ] The cause is not significant enough to consume the thousands of men fighting over it, and the tombs and coffins are not plentiful enough to hold those who are killed (continent = container).
1. (Make connections!) In a paragraph compare what Hamlet says in lines 36-49 of this soliloquy to what he says in lines 91-96 of his “To be or not to be” soliloquy (below).
Thus conscience does make cowards of us all;
And thus the native hue of resolution
Is sicklied o'er with the pale cast of thought,
And enterprises of great pitch and moment
With this regard their currents turn awry, (95)
And lose the name of action.—
2. (Make connections!) In a paragraph explain how this soliloquy is similar to the “O What a rogue and peasant slave” soliloquy. (Think about the role that Fortinbras plays in this speech and that the First Player plays in the earlier speech: “What would he do, / Had he the motive and the cue for passion / That I have?”)
3. (What’s your opinion?) Hamlet contrasts his own cowardly thought with the actions of Fortinbras. Do you think Fortinbras is a good role model for Hamlet? In other words, should Hamlet be more like Fortinbras or not? Explain your answer in a paragraph. Use evidence from the play and this soliloquy to develop your answer. (Like Hamlet, you might be able to argue both “yes” and “no”.)
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18 comments:
Gilbert Brown
1.)In lines 36- 49 Hamlet talks about his revenge on Claudius for the murder of his father. Hamlet feels that his father’s murder should have provided enough anger that he shouldn’t have to think twice about taking so long to kill Claudius “And spur my dull revenge!” He also know that God gave him the power of reason and unlike animals he can remember the deeds that Claudius committed so he still doesn’t know why he hesitates on his revenge “That capability and god-like reason to fust in us unused. Now, whether it be Bestial oblivion, or some craven scruple of thinking too precisely on the event,” This relates to the “To be or not to be” soliloquy because in that soliloquy Hamlet is questioning his conscience and decision making. This soliloquy happened a little bit after he saw his fathers “ghost” and finds out that Claudius was at fault for his demise. The longer Hamlet thinks about the plot to kill Claudius the more his conscience kicks in and rational thoughts start to fill his head instead of crazy plans of revenge; “Thus conscience does make cowards of us all; And thus the native hue of resolution is sicklied o'er with the pale cast of thought,” Both of these soliloquy’s happen at different points in the tragedy but relate the same meanings. Hamlet ponders why he doesn’t take action on his father’s death and blames it on his conscience because as more and more time passes the clarity of resolution is clouded by thoughts and contemplation.
2.)In this soliloquy Hamlet is jealous of Fortinbras passion and courage but at the same time questions his own envy. Fortinbras fights without hesitation over something trivial when his honor is at risk and Hamlet is jealous because he wishes he could take the same initiative that Fortinbras has to avenge his father’s death. But at the same time Hamlet's common sense about the absurdity of Fortinbras's venture shows the pointlessness of his envy; “Witness this army of such mass and charge (50)
Led by a delicate and tender prince, Whose spirit with divine ambition puff'd Makes mouths at the invisible event,” This relates to the “O what a rogue and peasant slave” soliloquy because Hamlet is depressed and upset with himself because he holds his tongue about his fathers murder. “Yet I, A dull and muddy-mettled rascal, peak, Like John-a-dreams, unpregnant of my cause, and can say nothing; no, not for a king, upon whose property and most dear life, a damn'd defeat was made.” This along with the rest of the piece proves that Hamlet is not happy with himself or the choices he has been making and he just wishes he could have the courage and passion Fortinbras has for his honor.
3.)I think Fortinbras is a good role model in a couple aspects. Hamlet could learn to be more passionate about his honor/feelings like Fortinbras and not stop at anything to fulfill his lust for them. “Witness this army of such mass and charge (50) Led by a delicate and tender prince, Whose spirit with divine ambition puff'd Makes mouths at the invisible event, Exposing what is mortal and unsure to all that fortune, death and danger dare, (55) Even for an egg-shell.” In that passage Hamlet is jealous of Fortinbras boldness and courage but he also critiques his absurdity because possibly thousands must die for his dream. But Hamlet needs to realize that sometimes to achieve the impossible you must be willing to do things you’ve never done before. Hamlet is too worried about how this might affect others but ultimately if your goal is to please everybody else, then Hamlet has to ask himself does this also please me? So far Hamlet hesitance has gotten him this “When honour's at the stake. How stand I then, that have a father kill'd, a mother stain'd, (60) Excitements of my reason and my blood, and let all sleep?” I feel Fortinbras would be a good role model for Hamlet because he could teach Hamlet how to take action on his emotions.
1.) In lines 36-49 of this soliloquy, Fortinbras passes through Denmark and he ponders about reason and thinking. When he contemplates action, he thinks about it and then finds reasons not to act. He gets frustrated with his lack of ability to take action on the revenge of his father with the reason he keeps thinking about. “That capability and god-like reason / To fust in us unused.” he shows how he is unable to do action when he contemplates reason. This compares easily with Hamlet’s “To be or not to be” soliloquy since it is trying to show the same thoughts Hamlet cannot get past into taking action. “Thus conscience does make us cowards of us all,” refers to his reasoning with in his mind that is making it impossible to take action, which he feels is cowardliness not being able to take revenge for his fathers death. He says, “And lose the name of action.-” explaining he is unable to act when he contemplates his actions. Hamlet is explaining that thinking makes us cowards and causes us to lose resolution. When people think too much about their actions and the consequences, it leads to immobility and indecision, leaving great action undone. Both of these soliloquies make a connection to how thinking can lead to inaction.
2.) “What would he do, / Had he the motive and the cue for passion / That I have?” shows how Hamlet is impressed by how well the actor portrays emotions that he is only pretending to have while Hamlet himself has actual reasons to be emotional. He asks the actor who can sometimes express emotions better than himself what real passion is used into actions? In this “What a rogue and peasant slave” soliloquy Hamlet’s emotions are now more powerful than ever as he stands lonely trying to make sense out of his situation. He is depressed and not just disapproving of the people around him but also disapproving himself. Hamlet is lost and confused, unknowing if he should act or not act and finding ways to justify his actions. He is full of questions and because of his inaction and indecision he asks himself, “Am I a coward?” This soliloquy is so similar to the other since they both use the thought of being a coward in the meaning that Hamlet contemplates reason and action and turns it into inaction.
3.) Fortinbras was a great role model for Hamlet because he needed to be more like Fortinbras in the sense of ability to take action. Throughout the play Hamlet wishes that he could take actions to avenge his father's death, but in this soliloquy he also states that he believes Fortinbras reasoning to be skewed. He believes that the actions of Fortinbras are very simplistic and feels superior to him. But while he ridicules Fortinbras for the lack of judgement, Hamlet is tormented by the fact that he completely takes into account all aspects of his situation before acting; to avenge his father's death. Hamlet believes that he cannot go through with the murder of his uncle because he is not like Fortinbras. This soliloquy portrays Hamlet as the coward who can not act for the revenge of his father and admires Fortinbras for his ability to take control of a powerful army, while Hamlet can’t even control himself. Without the influence of Fortinbras ever being present, Hamlet would have just tortured himself over his decision and probably have taken no action at all. Because of Fortinbras influence Hamlet finally decides that Claudius must be taken care of immediately no matter what. Hamlets emotions, thoughts, cowardliness and reasoning are finally brought into action after learning from Fortinbras.
nicole lane
1) The lines 36-49 are about Hamlet talking about revenge toward Claudius for killing his father. Although, he doesn’t actually know if he can do it or how he can do it. “That capability and god-like reason/To fust in us unused.” Hamlet won’t take any action because he finds a reason not to. This compares to the soliloquy of the “to be or not to be” speech. “Thus conscience does make cowards of us all.” Hamlet says this because there is something that won’t let him take any action or revenge on Claudius for doing what he did but Hamlet wants to. The more Hamlet thinks about killing Claudius, he finds a way for it to not happen. He explains that your conscience makes people cowards and stops them from doing what they want to do. Both of these soliloquies connect to one another on how your conscience can lead to action or even not taking action.
2) In this soliloquy, Hamlet is jealous of Fortinbras bravery and courage that he has and how he can just take action and do what he does. Hamlet wants to be able to do that but doesn’t know how. Fortinbras takes action when he needs to and Hamlet wants to do this over his father’s murder. “What would he do, / Had he the motive and the cue for passion / That I have?” shows how Hamlet is so impressed by the actors but even he has the emotions that are real. Both these soliloquies are about emotion. In the “What a rogue and peasant slave” soliloquy, Hamlet is confused and doesn’t know if he should take action and if he did what would he do after. At the end, it shows how Hamlet is not happy with what he has chosen to do and wishes he had the courage that Fortinbras does.
3) Fortinbras is an excellent role model for Hamlet. He has the courage, bravery, and honor that Hamlet is dying to have. Hamlet can learn to be more passionate and take actions that he was wanted to take for a long time. Since he has found out that Claudius had killed his father, he has wanted to kill him ever since but hasn’t had the courage to do so. He thinks of things that make him change his mind and just don’t take action. By Fortinbras being a role model for Hamlet, he could get the desire Fortinbras has and do so himself. “When honour's at the stake. How stand I then, that have a father kill'd, a mother stain'd, (60) Excitements of my reason and my blood, and let all sleep?” Hamlet’s honor is at stake and he wants something to be done and so he wants to be more like Fortinbras and take action.
1) Hamlet in4.4.36-49 is talking about getting ride of or killing Claudius. I sounds almost positive hat he will do it. He sounds secure and is quite confident Hamlet mentions no sign of lack of confidence and doesn’t mention anything that will stop him from killing Claudius. This confidence differs much from when he is talking in the to be or not to be speech. It is almost opposite in the first line e says that conscience makes cowards of people. That’s doubt right there. Hamlet also goes on in saying ;”lose the name of action”. That could mean that the action is killing Claudius and he could loose that drive to do so. Through out the story hamlet has changed all in the 2 soliloquies the reader realizes the confidence and how much more secure Hamlet is with killing Claudius.
2) Hamlet in the soliloquy is wondering exactly how much he wants to kill Claudius. He listens to Fortinbras and wonders if he could do the same except in his own situation. Hamlet realizes that he is less confident that Fortinbras at this time.
3) If I were to go into Hamlets shoes and have the motive that he has in killing Claudius than yes I would try to be like Fortinbras. Confident with his actions and such. Hamlet wants to be like him and it seems to me for what hamlet wants he tries to get which usually end up not so good. For example when he kill Polonius. This is the other side to the question the no side if I were to be Hamlet I would know that my idea in being someone who I am not could end up hurting more people than it should.
1. In both soliloquies, Hamlet talks about his inaction to kill his Uncle Claudius. With the lines “Thus conscience does make cowards of us all” (3.1.91) and the lines” (A thought which, quartered, hath but one part wisdom and ever three parts coward.”(4.4.44-45). It is clear to see that Hamlet thinks himself a coward. However he in both blames it on the fact that each time he gets close in killing Claudius he thinks and therefore he losses action. He also begins t question whether he is noble enough to kill his Uncle Claudius. In soliloquy 3.1 he says,” And thus the native hue of resolution, Is sicklied o’er with the pale cast of thought” (3.1.91-93) and in soliloquy 4.4 he says,” The capability and godlike reason to fust in us unused.”(4.4.40-41). He is saying that he is not noble enough because neither of these things stopped his father from being godlike. While these lines in soliloquy 3.1 seem to suggest that Hamlet does not have enough faith in himself to kill his Uncle Claudius, the lines in soliloquy 4.4 suggest that Hamlet is not willing to give up until he completed his task.
2. In both the soliloquies Hamlet compares himself to someone he finds better than him at a particular job. In both Hamlet calls himself a coward in soliloquy 2.2 he says, “A damned defeat was made. Am I a coward?” (2.2.658) and in soliloquy he says, “(A thought which, quartered, hath but one part wisdom and ever three parts coward.” (4.4.44-45). It shows that Hamlet can not stop seeing himself as a coward which also causes him to falter when he tries to kill his Uncle Claudius. In both he question whether he is noble enough, if he is worthy enough to kill his Uncle Claudius. This is shown when he says, “Why, what an ass am I! This is most brave, That I, the son of a dear father murdered, Prompted to my revenge by heaven and hell, Must, like a whore, unpack my heart with words, And fall a-cursing like a very drab.” (2.2. 611-615.) and “The capability and godlike reason, To fust in us unused.” (4.4.40-41). He also in both soliloquies questions if he wants to kill the king and if this is God wants him to do. In soliloquy 2.2 Hamlet wishes he possessed the player’s power of moving someone so deeply they will confess their sins. Hamlet feels that if he had this ability it would be so much easier for him to kill his Uncle Claudius. In soliloquy 4.4 he wishes that he had Fortinbras power of acting on instinct instead of having to think every thing out. Hamlet feels that if he had this ability he would have completed the task of killing his Uncle Claudius already.
3. I do not think that Fortinbras is a good role model for Hamlet. I believe this because Fortinbras acts on instinct alone. If Hamlet acted on instinct alone I believe that Claudius would be dead already, but Hamlet would also be dead or imprisoned. This decision also ways more in importance then what Fortinbras is doing. If Hamlet followed Fortinbras as a role model chances are that Denmark would be out for Hamlet’s blood. By Hamlet being a rational thinker he is able to devise a plan that would kill his Uncle Claudius, but keep him alive and loved in the cross fires. Fortinbras also just does what he wants and does not think of the consequences it will have on others. Hamlet however does and weighs his options so that he can hurt the least amount of people in his quest to kill his Uncle Claudius. Lastly while both causes are one of honor, Fortinbras is just showing that he can be cruel and heartless, while Hamlet is trying to revenge his father so that after death his father can have his honor.
Grant Weaver
3/28/10
E Block
1. The sections in question (36-49; 91-96) of Hamlets last two soliloquies have a similar base, but do provide some contradiction. This foundation though is extremely important. Hamlet is simply saying that by thinking about an action before doing it often stops the human from doing that action. With that in mind those contradictions must be studied. In the "to be or not to be" speech Hamlet simply says that thinking muddies the process of action, often ending it. This leaves open much room for interpretation, but sounds as if Hamlet is just a casual observer, merely commenting about a natural, almost intended, process. In the final soliloquy he states however that yes maybe this thought inaction relationship may be less than coincidental, but that because 'he who created us' gave this god-like power (thought) he intended for it to be used, not to become moldy with disuse. Hamlet, as seen in the first soliloquy is an obeyer of the divine (saying he would commit suicide if it was not a sin), so he wants to think, but also feels the need for action. This debate only further complicates his situation.
2. The second and final soliloquies have several things in common, but also have several things that are very different. The major thing that these two speeches have in commons that Hamlet is comparing himself to someone. In the second soliloquy the person happens to be an innocent actor. In the final soliloquy Hamlet is comparing himself to someone more alike himself. This of course is Fortinbras. This brings us to q difference. When Hamlet is comparing himself to the player he is disgusted. Hamlet somewhat despises the player and his ability to reproduce emotion. Hamlet even comments that if the player were in his situation, tears would flood him. When comparing himself to Fortinbras his feelings are the exact opposite. Here Hamlet is idolizing and flattering the Norwegian prince, whishing that he had some of the same characteristics Fortinbras does. Another big difference between the two soliloquies is the overall tone. In the second one Hamlet is upset and angry with himself, but in the final one he is more reserved and scholarly.
3.In the final soliloquy Hamlet devotes a large amount of time to Fortinbras. I believe, like Hamlet that Fortinbras is somewhat of a good role model. He is a good role model because he has all of the characteristics Hamlet wishes that he had. He takes action and he knows how to lead. Hamlet has been debating how and if he wants to do all of these things while Fortinbras has been out doing them. Fortinbras does have some characteristics that are less than desirable for Hamlet. While Hamlet is more of an academic, Fortinbras is more of an act now, think later type of guy. Also Fortinbras is more disloyal than Hamlet is. Yes Hamlet is trying to kill his uncle, but he is loyal to his father’s memory and to his mother (most of the time). Overall I do feel that there are some aspects of Fortinbras that Hamlet should try to emulate, but he should stay true to himself too.
1) In lines 36-49 of this soliloquy Hamlet discusses action. After seeing Fortinbras taking such bold steps in crossing Demark to attack Poland Hamlet feels that he himself should be bolder. Hamlet decides that he must kill Claudius. He says, “Sure He that made us with such large discourse, Looking before and after, gave us not That capability and godlike reason To fuse in us unused.” This shows us that Hamlet feels that if god created people and gave them these emotions then he would want them to act on them. He would not want Hamlet to sit back and do nothing after Claudius murdered his father and married his mother. When comparing this soliloquy to the “To be or not to be” soliloquy you can see Hamlet’s progression of thought throughout the play. In the earlier soliloquy he is contemplating taking action, as he is in this one, but feels differently. He says, “Thus conscience does make cowards of us all.” This shows the difference between the two conclusions he came to in each. Here Hamlet wants revenge but feels unable to take action. He suggests in both soliloquies that a lot of thought will lead to not taking action.
2) Hamlet wishes that he could be as bold as Fortinbras and take action without so much hesitation. In both soliloquies he is not pleased by his lack of action. He also compares himself to others in both. Throughout the play he constantly questions himself, like in the “O What a rogue and peasant slave” soliloquy where he says “what an ass am I!” and “am I a coward?” Because he is constantly questioning himself he never feels good enough.
3) Fortinbras could be both a good role model and a bad role model for Hamlet. I do not think that Fortinbras is a good for him because he makes decisions too quickly. It is good that Hamlet thinks things through entirely before acting. At the same time, however, this is also a problem for him. Hamlet tend to ponder things too much and for too long. If he were to take a bit of advice from Fortinbras it would be to act on his thoughts instead of running them through his mind over and over again until they seem impossible. If Hamlet were entirely like Fortinbras he would have killed Claudius a long time ago. This could have bad consequences for him, someone probably would have attacked or exiled him as killing the king is never considered acceptable. If he had a little bit of Fortinbras ability to act on his emotions, but still himself then Hamlet would be more confident in himself and would be able to do what he thought he needed to without constantly questioning everything.
1. In the lines of both these soliloquies Hamlet is talking about his revenge, the killing, of his uncle Claudius. However it is easy to see that Hamlet has many subconscious doubts about killing Claudius, throughout the soliloquies he contemplates his manhood and whether or not he is man enough to carry out this revenge. “Looking before and after, gave us not (40)
That capability and god-like reason To fust in us unused.” He is highly upset with himself saying that if he does not go through with this his god like reason will go unused, wasted. Both soliloquies make it easy to see that subconsciously killing Claudius will not bring the king back and make Hamlet feel any better, and that he must want to truly kill Claudius even in his conscious mind to be able to carry out the task.
2. It can be seen through both these soliloquies how jealous Hamlet is of Fortinbras, he is jealous of the way he can act on impact and does not deem it necessary to think everything through, as Hamlet does. Hamlet is very critical of himself, yet thinking very highly of Fortinbras, in both soliloquies he even refers to himself as a coward. In soliloquy 2.2 he says, “A damned defeat was made. Am I a coward?” and in soliloquy he says, “A thought which, quartered, hath but one part wisdom and ever three parts coward.” Not only does he compare himself to Fortinbras, he also (in soliloquy 2.2) he wishes that he acquired the ability to touch someone so deeply as to make them confess their sins to him (wanted to do that with the mousetrap). Both these soliloquies highlight Hamlet’s insecurities.
3. I do not think that Fortinbras is a good role model for Hamlet, this is because he does not think his actions through, therefore creating more consequences for himself, which will eventually lead to large regrets. Especially since the decision’s Hamlet must make are extremely big and important. If Hamlet was like Fortinbra’s Claudius would be dead already and that would lead to major consequences for him. Also Hamlet thinks about the effects his actions will have on other people, which will again benefit him more in the long run, rather than being as impulsive as Fortinbras/
1. In the lines of both these soliloquies Hamlet is talking about his revenge, the killing, of his uncle Claudius. However it is easy to see that Hamlet has many subconscious doubts about killing Claudius, throughout the soliloquies he contemplates his manhood and whether or not he is man enough to carry out this revenge. “Looking before and after, gave us not (40)
That capability and god-like reason To fust in us unused.” He is highly upset with himself saying that if he does not go through with this his god like reason will go unused, wasted. Both soliloquies make it easy to see that subconsciously killing Claudius will not bring the king back and make Hamlet feel any better, and that he must want to truly kill Claudius even in his conscious mind to be able to carry out the task.
2. It can be seen through both these soliloquies how jealous Hamlet is of Fortinbras, he is jealous of the way he can act on impact and does not deem it necessary to think everything through, as Hamlet does. Hamlet is very critical of himself, yet thinking very highly of Fortinbras, in both soliloquies he even refers to himself as a coward. In soliloquy 2.2 he says, “A damned defeat was made. Am I a coward?” and in soliloquy he says, “A thought which, quartered, hath but one part wisdom and ever three parts coward.” Not only does he compare himself to Fortinbras, he also (in soliloquy 2.2) he wishes that he acquired the ability to touch someone so deeply as to make them confess their sins to him (wanted to do that with the mousetrap). Both these soliloquies highlight Hamlet’s insecurities.
3. I do not think that Fortinbras is a good role model for Hamlet, this is because he does not think his actions through, therefore creating more consequences for himself, which will eventually lead to large regrets. Especially since the decision’s Hamlet must make are extremely big and important. If Hamlet was like Fortinbra’s Claudius would be dead already and that would lead to major consequences for him. Also Hamlet thinks about the effects his actions will have on other people, which will again benefit him more in the long run, rather than being as impulsive as Fortinbras/
1. Lines 91-96 of Hamlet’s to be or not to be speech can be compared to that of another soliloquy he recites in 4.4. In his 4.4 speech, between lines 36-49 Hamlet is talking about how he could obtain revenge from his uncle Claudius for killing his father. However, after contemplating this, Hamlet finds no reason to seek revenge for he proclaims, “ Looking before and after, gave us not/ That capability and god-like reason/ To fust in us unused. Now, whether it be/ Bestial oblivion, or some craven scruple/ Of thinking too precisely on the event.” He doesn’t feel any need to keep thinking about such things. This soliloquy compares to the 3.2 speech because he says; “Thus conscience does make cowards of us all; And thus the native hue of resolution is sicklied o'er with the pale cast of thought,”. Hamlet no longer wishes to even dwell on the idea of seeking revenge anymore because he now understands that there is more than just filling his mind with irrational intentions. In the first place, the famous to be, or no to be speech talks a lot about reason and truth and Hamlet now is able to comprehend that by taking action will present him as cowardly. The soliloquies in each of these acts connect to eachother and reveal that ones conscience decides where ones actions lead too.
2. This soliloquy can also be compared to the “O What a rogue and peasant slave” soliloquy in Act 2 scene 2. In this soliloquy Hamlet is expressing how much he wants to kill Claudius and seek revenge from him. He is also very upset with everything his mother has done, and the way in which she has been acting. Yet, Hamlet doesn’t feel laudable enough to even think of killing Claudius for he explains, “Why, what an ass am I! This is most brave, That I, the son of a dear father murdered, Prompted to my revenge by heaven and hell, Must, like a whore, unpack my heart with words, And fall a-cursing like a very drab.” Throughout this scene Hamlet only defines himself as being cowardly which in turn contradicts the soliloquy in Act 4 when he says, “Thus conscience does make cowards of us all; And thus the native hue of resolution is sicklied o'er with the pale cast of thought,”. He understands that only what he makes out of life will determine how far he will get or how he will be admired as. Also in this soliloquy, Hamlet is talking a lot about Fortinbras. He admires him greatly and only hopes that he could some day come near to the status and quality that Fortinbras portrays. As the soliloquy continues Hamlet just realizes that he isn’t happy with the events that have occurred in his life. He yearns for a heart like Fortinbras and wishes that he could some day portray a fraction of nobility that he so does.
3. Fortinbras is definitely a great role model for Hamlet for many reasons. Fortinbras, being older and wiser; he displays an intellect for distinguishing between right and wrong, and has good judgement on what to do and make out of his life. Fortinbras also exhibits qualities of bravery, faithfulness and devotion that again, Hamlet wants to portray as well. Due to the way Fortinbras lives his life, and due to the fact that Hamlet wants to be like him, Hamlet realizes then that he cannot go on with the murder of his uncle. In conclusion, Fortinbras is an excellent role model for Hamlet, but with that Hamlet then had to take initiative in searching for life’s answers from what he saw in Fortinbras.
1.Before the soliloquy in Act 4 Scene 4, Hamlet sees that Fortinbras has enough courage to cross Denmark, and he wishes that he could be so courageous. In both of the excerpts, Hamlet talks about how having knowledge make people cowards. In the “To be or not to be” soliloquy, he says “Thus conscience does make cowards of us all.”(3.1.91). In this soliloquy, Hamlet says “Now whether it be Bestial oblivion, or some craven scruple Of thinking too precisely on the event.”(4.4.42-44). Both present the problem that comes about when people think too much before acting. Hamlet is clearly referring to his inability to kill Claudius. Hamlet calls himself a coward in both soliloquies. “(A thought which, quartered, hath but one part wisdom And ever three parts coward)” (4.4.44-45). Hamlet is fully aware that he is more than capable and has a good enough reason to do the deed, but there is something that is stopping him. “Sith I have cause and will and strength and means To do't.” (4.4.48-49). In the final soliloquy, Hamlet toys with the idea that it could be “bestial oblivion” that stops him from taking action. This means that Hamlet is being mindless and it is causing him to be cowardly.
2.In both soliloquies, Hamlet is comparing himself to a man that is able to take action easily, unlike himself. In the “O What a rogue and peasant slave” soliloquy, Hamlet compares himself to an actor who was able to conjure up so much emotion from something fiction, that didn’t even affect him. Hamlet says that he would be ten times more emotional if he had the reason for passion that he has. “What would he do, Had he the motive and the cue for passion That I have? He would drown the stage with tears And cleave the general ear with horrid speech, Make mad the guilty and appall the free, Confound the ignorant, and amaze indeed.” (2.2.587-592). Then, Hamlet goes on to call himself a coward and an ass. This whole soliloquy comes from Hamlet seeing this one scene. In the final soliloquy, Hamlet sees how Young Fortinbras is able to be bold and courageous Witness this army of such mass and charge Led by a delicate and tender prince, Whose spirit with divine ambition puff'd Makes mouths at the invisible event.” (4.4.50-53). Hamlet in a way, admires Fortinbras because he can take action when Hamlet cannot.
3.There are definitely qualities of Fortinbras that Hamlet should have, but there are also things that are not good for Hamlet. What is good about Fortinbras is, obviously, his courage. Throughout the play, Hamlet is dealing with not being courageous enough to take action against his uncle. If Hamlet was bold like Fortinbras, Claudius would have been dead by Act 2. But there are also bad qualities that Fortinbras encompasses. Fortinbras acts way too rashly. He is too quick on decision making. Considering the importance of Hamlet’s situation, it would be stupid of him to act on it like Fortinbras. Also, look at what happened the last time Hamlet acted too quickly: he accidentally killed Polonius. While Fortinbras exhibits the qualities Hamlet wished he had, there are qualities that Fortinbras has that would not be good for Hamlet.
1. In both of the soliloquies Hamlet is talking about his inability to kill Claudius. He is asking himself why he has not done it yet and gotten his revenge. In both soliloquies he says how much of a coward he thinks he is. In Hamlet’s “To Be or Not to Be” soliloquy he says, “Thus conscience does make cowards of us all, and thus the native hue of resolution is sicklied o'er with the pale cast of thought…” (3.1.85-87.) and in the other soliloquy he says, “Of thinking too precisely on th' event, thought which, quartered, hath but one part wisdom and ever three parts coward. I do not know we why yet I live to say this thing’s to do.” (4.4. 40-44.) In both soliloquies, Hamlet is saying that we are all turned into cowards from thinking. Thinking is what has been preventing Hamlet from murdering Claudius. The fear of death is making Hamlet a coward because he does not know what will come after life if he kills Claudius. Hamlet is constantly battling with himself about killing Hamlet and what the possible consequences could be.
2. In this soliloquy Hamlet wishes he could be more brave and courageous. He wants to get the courage to kill Claudius, but is unable to. In one of the soliloquies he says, “Why, what an ass am I! This is most brave, that I, the son of a dear father murdered, Prompted to my revenge by heaven and hell, Must, like a whore, unpack my heart with words, And fall a-cursing like a very drab.” (2.2. 611-615.) Hamlet is very angry at himself for not being able to carry out what he wants to and views himself as a fool. He wants revenge, but is afraid of what his actions will lead to after death. Fortinbras has the qualities that Hamlet wants and is jealous of him for it. Hamlet thinks that if he were more like Fortinbras he would have already gotten rid of Claudius and would not have to go through contemplating killing him. Hamlet wants to be able to act without thinking and believes it would be much easier to kill Hamlet this way.
3. I do not think that Fortinbras is a good role model for Hamlet. I think it is good that Hamlet thinks about whether to kill Claudius or not. He has to think about some of the consequences of murder before he commits the crime. Fortinbras acts without thinking. If Hamlet were like this, Claudius would have been dead very soon after he found out about the murder of his father. Hamlet could have possibly regretted it and would never have been able to take it back. Hamlet thinks of others before he does anything. He does not want to hurt too many people for killing Claudius and wants to go down in history as an honorable man like his father. If he were more like Fortinbras he would kill without thinking and would not be as respected as he is. Fortinbras would not be a very good role model for Hamlet because he acts without thinking.
1.) In Hamlets to be or not to be soliloquy he says that conscience makes us all cowards. In this soliloquy he says that he has the willpower to murder Claudius but he does not. He does not know why he doesn't murder Claudius, he knows he wants to, and he knows that he can, but he does not. He has put too much thought into this fight, he analyzes what has happened over and over and over, he over thinks the situation but does not do anything about it. 'I do not know/Why yet I live to say “This thing’s to do,”/Sith I have cause and will and strength and means/To do ’t.' Hamlet does not know why he has not yet done anything about the murder. "Examples gross as earth exhort me." He is upset that he knows he has to do something yet will not. In his to be or not to be speech he says 'is sicklied o'er with the pale cast of thought' meaning that we make ourselves sick with thought. In this soliloquy he says "Of thinking too precisely on th' event." Showing that here he also thought too much. In both soliloquy's he does too much thinking.
2.) In this soliloquy it is evident that Hamlet is jealous of Fortinbras. "Witness this army of such mass and charge/Led by/delicate and tender prince,/Whose spirit with divine ambition puffed/Makes mouths at the invisible even" That prince is Fortinbras, Fortinbras can fight without an issue, yet Hamlet can not fight his uncle for murdering his father. This relates to his "O what a rogue and peasant slave" soliloquy because in that soliloquy Hamlet is upset with himself for not saying anything about his uncle murdering his father. He is upset with himself for not saying anything, yet he doesn't really know how. In this soliloquy Hamlet is upset that Fortinbras has the guts to fight but he can not speak up for his dead father. Basically he is jealous of Fortinbras. In the "O what a rogue and peasant slave" soliloquy he talks to the actor about how he would handle the situation. "What would he do, / Had he the motive and the cue for passion / That I have?” Hamlet wants to know what others would do if placed in his shoes, he knows what he wants to do but Hamlet also wants to know what others [the actors] would do.
3.) I think that Fortinbras is a good role model for Hamlet. I think that Hamlet should be more like Fortinbras, too often to people say but not act. Hamlet says a lot of things without acting. Hamlet wants to kill his uncle but never does. Even though murder does not solve anything I think that Hamlet should have stuck to his words. He abhors Claudius and therefore should really do something about it. Fortinbras is brave, Hamlet is also brave but not as brave as Fortinbras. Fortinbras seems to know the difference between right and wrong and it appears that Hamlet looks up to that quality. Also Hamlet seems to be jealous of Fortinbras and therefore I think that Fortinbras is a good role model for Hamlet. Basically, Fortinbras is a good role model for Hamlet, he's older and wiser and knows more than Hamlet and Hamlet already looks up to him.
In lines 36-44 Hamlet is again coming down hard on himself about being too cowardly to kill his uncle. This is similarly seen in lines 91-96 of Hamlet’s “to be or not to be” soliloquy. The tone is different in the two soliloquies however. In this soliloquy Hamlet seems annoyed and fed up with himself. He seems impatient, and fed up with himself. He is speaking in more of a harsh tone. In the “to be or not to be” soliloquy Hamlet seems more depressed and solemn about what he is saying. In both lines he is stating that he is tired of his cowardliness in not being able to kill his uncle, but he is in different moods when he does so.
Hamlet’s soliloquy in 2.2 and this soliloquy are both talking about the same topic essentially. He his degrading himself in both of these soliloquies. His tone is the same in both of these because they are both angry and distraught tones. Hamlet is basically ticked off in both of these at himself and everyone around him. He hates the fact that he won’t do anything about his uncle. In this soliloquy he is saying that if Fortinbras was in Hamlet’s position all of the deeds would already be carried out. He is saying that he is envious of Fortinbras because he would get the job done. Hamlet hates the fact that he won’t do it himself. In the 2.2 soliloquy he is saying the same thing about the First Player because that actor could do what he put his mind to and get the audience to respond to him. Hamlet is envious of the people around him in both of these.
I think that Hamlet should be more like Fortinbras in certain ways, but not completely like him. Fortinbras has determination and is able to do what he puts his mind to, but Hamlet cannot. If Hamlet were like Fortinbras in this regard he would probably be able to go about things better than the way he is by keeping everything so secretive. On the negative side, however, if Hamlet was more like Fortinbras he would probably do something rash that he would regret and that would get him into trouble. Because Fortinbras is the person that wants to attack Denmark, Hamlet does not get along with him and it is hard to picture the two having anything in common. They don’t have anything in common. Fortinbras is a good role model for Hamlet though because becoming more like Fortinbras would allow Hamlet to overcome his greatest problem.
When comparing the two parts of the soliloquies, many undeniable similarities can be noticed. The essentially say the same thing. In both he is saying that he knows what he needs to do, and just chastises himself for not doing it. That thought of course being killing Claudius. In both soliloquies he mentions man’s awesome power to comprehend. When comparing these two, one might make the connection that I have made, which Hamlet is asking how it is possible to act when God has given us this awesome power of perception. This seems to make sense, coming from a deep thinker and scholar like Hamlet. He contradicts himself by arguing the reason he should kill is because he has this god-like power of perception, yet cannot because of the same ability. He of course remains filled with contradictions. He feels he is not brave enough to kill Claudius while not being able to do anything but kill him. It is clear that in both soliloquies, Hamlet remains consistently inconsistent about his standpoint.
There are a few very clear parallels between the two soliloquies. For one thing, his self-criticism of calling himself a coward is prevalent throughout both. In the Act 4 soliloquy his decisions are three quarters cowardice and one quarter wisdom. In the Act 2 soliloquy he says that he is pigeon-livered and lack gall. Another main issue brought up is that of manliness. He feels he is not manly because he says he should have all of the hairs of his beard plucked off and blown back in his face in the Act 2 soliloquy. fIn the Act 4 soliloquy, he is envious of Fortinbras’ manly bravery. He also somewhat bashes Fortinbras at the same time, because he says essentially that Fortinbras has the ability to act without thinking. This, I interpret as, a kind of backhanded compliment.
I feel that at times, Hamlet should act a little more like Fortinbras, but for the most part; no he would not be a good role model. Hamlet is the modern hero in that he solves through thinking and problem solving, not through brute force and instinct. If Hamlet was more like Fortinbras, then he would be executed for multiple homicides. Polonius, Claudius, Gertrude, Rosencrantz, and Guildenstern would all probably be dead. Although it did not work out, Hamlet was able to finally take action on a way to defeat Claudius and not reap repercussions, something Fortinbras would not be able to do.
Hamlet believes in his first soliloquy that it is his mind and reasoning keeping him from committing the murder “Thus conscience does make cowards of us all”. However in the second soliloquy he has already killed Polonius in an act of rage without thinking showing him that it is not his conscientious thought keeping him from acting. In both soliloquies he explores the idea of being a coward because one can’t act. Hamlet is very self accusing in both soliloquies and is disturbed by his lack of violent revenge; he calls his revenge “dull revenge”.
Both soliloquies show Hamlets insecurity, and his belief that he is a coward because he will not enact revenge upon Claudius. He shows this by both declaring his cowardliness and comparing himself to someone better than him. Hamlet does not feel that he is even honorable enough to kill Claudius because he is so weak that he can’t act. He can’t figure out why he can’t act and it is causing him a lot of inner conflict.
In my eyes I think that Hamlet could be more like Fortinbras, but still not exactly like him. Fortinbras acts purely without thinking, his actions are rash and almost meaningless because he spends so little thoughts on them. However I also feel that Hamlet is a better role model for Fortinbras because of his rational thinking. Maybe he did not protect his honor as much as he would have liked with a speedy violent revenge, but he thought of one cleverly and still in a way got revenge.
1. In Hamlet’s “to be or not to be” soliloquy he is telling how thinking of killing is making him not want to act, is making him afraid of doing something. He says that action after being thought of, no longer becomes a great action, but it becomes nothing because thoughts prevent you from acting. In his 4.4 soliloquy Hamlet has killed Polonious without thinking of what he had done. He speaks of only half thinking of somewhat of a scare being what made him do it, his cowardice wisdom is what acted on Polonious’s death.
2. In Hamlet’s “O What a rogue and peasant slave” soliloquy Hamlet is telling of how impressed he is with the actor’s amazing ability to portray such emotion. He is jealous of Fortinbras courage and how he takes action so soon and without thought of anything. Hamlet reviews his cowardice and looks up to Fortinbras’s ability to act without thinking. Hamlet would like to be like Fortinbras when he revenges his father’s death.
3. I think that it would help Hamlet in his current situation to act more like Fortinbras because he wants to get revenge on his father’s murder, however he puts too much thought into it and won’t do it. Fortinbras acts on impulse, there is little thought in the actions that Fortinbras takes. Fortinbras has courage and passion, qualities that are good for a role model to have, Hamlet should look up to Fortinbras as a role model in this situation. Fortinbras is also somewhat lazy, while Hamlet gets things done. Hamlet is a good student and he works hard at it. Hamlet also cares about people. He cares about his mother’s well being and his late father. Though he wants to kill his uncle, he still has the compassion for others that Fortinbras lacks. For this reason Fortinbras is also a bad role model for Hamlet.
Tom Martin
1. In Hamlet’s “to be or not to be” soliloquy, lines 91-96 are similar to one in Act 4 Scene 4. In this 4.4 soliloquy, Hamlet is talking about how he could obtain revenge from his uncle Claudius for killing his father between lines 36-49. Yet after contemplating this morbid thought, Hamlet sees no substantial reason to seek revenge. He states, “Looking before and after, gave us not That capability and god-like reason To fust in us unused. Now, whether it be Bestial oblivion, or some craven scruple Of thinking too precisely on the event.” He feels that it’s of no use to keep talking about the matter. This soliloquy here compares to his Act 3 Scene 2 soliloquy because there he proclaims; “Thus conscience does make cowards of us all; And thus the native hue of resolution is sicklied o'er with the pale cast of thought,”. Hamlet doesn’t even want to think about revenge in the slightest anymore for he now realizes that there is more to this situation than obsessing over outlandish secret intentions. The “to be or not to be” soliloquy inspects reason, existence, truth, and death. Hamlet now believes taking action in his act of revenge will pose him as something he is not. The soliloquies in both of these respective acts connect and show that our conscience often intervenes our intentions and actions.
2. This soliloquy is also relatable to the “O What a rogue and peasant slave” soliloquy in Act 2 scene 2. Here Hamlet is stating his desire to seek revenge for his father by killing Claudius. He is also still distraught and disgusted over his mother’s improper behavior. But Hamlet doesn’t feel worthy enough to even ponder murdering Claudius, he proclaims, “Why what an ass am I! This is most brave, That I, the son of a dear father murdered, Prompted to my revenge by heaven and hell, Must, like a whore, unpack my heart with words, And fall a-cursing like a very drab.” In this scene, Hamlet sees himself as a worthless coward. This contradicts the Act 4 soliloquy when he states, “Thus conscience does make cowards of us all; And thus the native hue of resolution is sicklied o'er with the pale cast of thought,”. He realizes that what he does with his life, how he takes control over his responsibilities and actions, is how the world will view him. Also Hamlet mentions Fortinbras here. He looks up to him and hopes to be of his quality and honor someday as a ruler. Throughout this soliloquy, Hamlet is angered over the events that have taken place so far and he finally wants to take action over his life so he can be an effective prince.
3. Fortinbras would certainly be a good role model for Hamlet for several reasons. Fortinbras is a much wiser ruler as he has more experience to amount for it. He knows the difference between morals, such as right and wrong, and he has a good sense of judgment. He also presents attributes of bravery, dedication, and honor, all qualities Hamlet wants to have. Because Fortinbras lives a just life and because Hamlet wants to be just like him, Hamlet realizes that he can’t go on with the murder of his uncle if he wants to be a good of a ruler as Fortinbras. Overall, Fortinbras is a quality role model for Hamlet, especially since his upstanding reputation makes Hamlet ponder his own lifestyle.
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