Hamlet Essay

Some of the greatest conflicts that one faces occur within, they are internal struggles that consume both the mind and soul. One of the most common internal conflicts we face is the struggle between being true to oneself and doing what is expected. In Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Polonius delivers many good pieces of advice to his son, Laertes, before he embarks to England. One of the most lasting phrases being, “To thine own self be true,” referring to the fact that Laertes would be exposed to many different thoughts, ideas, and temptations but that it was imperative that he didn’t lose sight of himself. This quote can easily be applied to all other characters in the play, especially Laertes and Hamlet. Hamlet is often depicted as a young man who cannot make up his mind, when in all reality he is a clever prince whom is debating whether or not to stay true to his morals, values, and himself.

Hamlet has a strong sense of loyalty towards his beloved father therefore when the true details of his death are revealed, he knows that he must take revenge. However, in his famous soliloquy ‘To be or not to be’ we are exposed to the great inner struggle that Hamlet is facing, whether to avenge his father’s death and murder Claudius or stay true to his morals for fear of what awaits him if he does not. We witness this debate throughout most of the play, as he continuously attempts to convince himself that the murder is necessary and as he calls himself a coward for not taking action. He is finding it difficult to remain true to himself and to his perception of what is morally right in the face of such treason and hypocrisy, yet we see a Hamlet who continues to follow his values. When he pardons Claudius’ life while he is praying we realize that the true Hamlet is one with a noble heart and a moral conscience.

 In a play filled with moral corruption, death, and revenge it is expected that feelings of hatred would drive the characters to action. We witness this not through Hamlet’s actions but through Laertes, as he discovers his father dead by Hamlet’s hand. The power of illocutionary and perlocutionary force Claudius is able to exert on Laertes is what blinds him to the truth and drives him to kill Hamlet. Despite this, we see him repent for what he has done for his dying words are, “Exchange forgiveness with me, noble Hamlet.” He loses sight of his true self and is manipulated by Claudius in the attempts to get rid of the threat that Hamlet poses, however in the he does seem to regain himself and his sense.

On the surface this play is about revenge and a tyrannical king, however when we truly understand Hamlet and his motives for prolonging his action we see a different side to the plot. The contemplative tone of this play invites us to question our own morals and values, to place ourselves in these situations and realize that we too are struggling to remain true to ourselves. We see, we witness, and we comprehend the fight between what we feel is our duty and what our instilled morals tell is right or wrong. Hamlet’s inaction sprouts not from childish indecisiveness but from the internal conflict between duty and self.