Hamlet Soliloquy

1307 Words6 Pages

What is language but a means to think? A complex tool to demonstrate ideas and concepts, to puzzle the mind in an effort to challenge one’s knowledge. Historically, language has been employed to structure deep arguments, thoughts, and stories, communicating wise messages and meanings. People use language to give form to new language, opening doors to new possibilities within society. When one masterfully deploys dramatic language, its captivation pushes people towards different goals, igniting a flame in man’s heart to bring change to the world. Yet, modern society disrespects this wonderful tool. Nigh gone are the days of deep thought, for the language has darkened into a night of banality and fandango. The process of cogitation must once …show more content…

“To be, or not to be” is not meant to be taken at face value. In the first half of the soliloquy, Hamlet describes the mundane, common troubles of society. Evil, unjust oppressors, weak-minded and greedy governments, and more. Basically, Hamlet tells the reader life may suck. With the second half, however, Hamlet strikes a balance by questioning the innate fear of death, no matter how much he seeks it. When Hamlet states that “...conscience does make cowards of us all,” he refers to his procrastination in his plan to assassinate Claudius. Thus, Hamlet decides that taking action is preferable to suffering and awaiting his demise, reinvigorating his will for …show more content…

The dual-meaning of “Thus conscience does make cowards of us all” is absent. This version leans towards suicide and a fear of death, not Hamlet’s contemplation of life and will. The English language is a tool for thought, and tools are meant to build important structures, whether they be skyscrapers or mind-boggling philosophical concepts. As such, there is no purpose in writing meaningless, boring works. If a man wants a sturdy wooden chair with a fancy design, he will not settle for a plain block of

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