Hamlet Soliloquy Analysis

Characters

HAMLET- A man questioning his own philosophy, whether he should avenge his father by taking his killers life or take his own.

YORICK’S SKULL- the skull of a dead king’s jester, one of excellent jest.

Setting

On the grounds of a royal castle located in Elsinore, Denmark

Lights up to reveal HAMLET in a lonesome courtyard. He is going over his philosophies regarding his father’s death.

HAMLET

To be or not to be, that is the question: Whether 'tis Nobler in the mind to suffer,the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, or to take arms against a sea of troubles, and by opposing end them: to die, to sl-

SKULL

(from a distance) Ye over yonder, come hither...

HAMLET

Who’s there!? Who intrudes upon my ramblings.

SKULL

But it is

SKULL

Tis not magic my lord, but the call for guidance you seek answered.

HAMLET

How can i believe this blasphemy!?

SKULL

You may believe because you can see it with your own eyes young lord. Tis I Yorick the high court jester of your father, the former king.

HAMLET

Alas, poor Yorick. I knew you well, in fact I recall you from my childhood games.

SKULL

Of course my lord, twas my duty to keep you entertained. I was directly appointed by your father.

HAMLET

Regarding my father, do you know of the most recent events…

SKULL

No, what’s become of the geezer.

HAMLET

He’s… dead. Recently, he was poisoned in his garden, it was thought that it was done by assassins.

SKULL

that’s terrible, how could the guards have let this happen.

HAMLET

I wonder the same thing at times, how they could have gotten to the inner quarters, past all the guards and maids without being seen by anyone.

SKULL

What of the role of king, who’s taken your father’s place?

HAMLET

It’s been filled by uncle Claudius.

I was out of place to ask on such a touchy subject.

HAMLET

Tis fine Yorick, twas not your fault.

SKULL

… are they doing anything to find your father’s assailant?

HAMLET

They believe that it was all done inside the castle, no one has been allowed to enter or leave since his time of death.

SKULL

So it was one of those closest to the king himself, I dare not point my finger at the queen but who else is allowed in his private quarters.

HAMLET

I doubt it was my own mother for the state of grief she is currently caught up in.

SKULL

But who then? Think my lord.

HAMLET

I don’t know Yorick, let us ask my mother directly.

SKULL

I don’t think we should address the queen at this time my lord, you said thyself that she was shaken to core by your father’s death.

HAMLET

Who Yorick, you were in the king’s high court were you not, who was with you.

SKULL

There’s Polonius in his council but I don-

HAMLET

THAT BASTA-

SKULL

Slow down my lord, we can’t be making assumptions. this isn’t a guessing game.

HAMLET

… you’re right, is there anyone else?

SKULL

What of the new king?

HAMLET

What about him, do you think he could of done it.

SKULL

We shouldn't rule anyone out just yet.