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Hamlet Act 4 Essay

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The soliloquy in Act 4 Scene 4 of Hamlet by Shakespeare is a crucial part of the play, as Hamlet decides to seek revenge for his father’s death. In this scene, the central theme of revenge is accompanied by themes of religion, decay, and corruption. Hamlet sees Fortinbras’ army and realizes how many men bravely faced death to defend their honor; this enables him to connect to his father’s murder and how he should seek vengeance. The sight of the army not only influences Hamlet’s actions, but also demonstrates the political discourse during the time of the play. These themes of decay and corruption are addressed in the political discourse in this scene along with Hamlet’s use of religion to justify seeking revenge. At this point in the play, …show more content…

This leads him to believe that his God-given reasoning is meant to be used and acted upon, and in this play he uses that reasoning to justify murder. This turning point in the play spurs Hamlet into murdering the king in the following act. The justification of murder through religion reveals the underlying themes of religion and revenge in the text of Hamlet. Hamlet reflects on honor and greatness in this soliloquy. It ties into the theme of revenge, as he thinks his greatness lies in getting revenge for his father being murdered by his uncle. Hamlet reflects that …Rightly to be great Is not to stir without great …show more content…

Hamlet’s focus on the army and their graves reveals his obsession with violence. This obsession shows the underlying themes of corruption and decay that are crucial to understanding the actions of the characters and how Hamlet feels throughout the play. Viewing the soldiers causes Hamlet to come to the realization that he needs to fight for his beliefs and face death like them. Hamlet’s realization is seen when he states “O, from this time forth / My thoughts be bloody or be nothing worth” (4.4.65-66). A constant struggle Hamlet faces in the play is whether or not to act out his vengeance. At this point in the play, Hamlet decides to overcome his internal struggles and seek revenge. This point in this scene is central to the theme represented in this play which is revenge, followed by the underlying theme of decay and

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