Bonilla 1 Kristen Bonilla Professor Schneider English 2 22 July 2013 Hesitant Hamlet The play Hamlet, by William Shakespeare,

is all about finding the perfect timing. The characters in the story are more concerned with planning an event than following through with their mission. Hamlet, the protagonist, is constantly questioning his actions and the consequences which could follow. His dialogue in Act III Scene 3 Lines 73-96 allows the audience to view his cautious demeanor. Hamlets indecisive and hesitant nature eventually leads to his downfall. Throughout the play, Hamlet reiterates the point that he must kill his uncle, Claudius. Now might I do it pat, now he is praying; (III.3.73.). This miniscule excerpt is merely Hamlet stating he has a chance to kill Claudius. However in lines 74-79 he states why he must delay Claudiuss murder. And now Ill dot, and soa goes to heaven; And so am I revengd. That would be scannd: A villain kills my father; and for that, I, his sole son, do this same villain send To heaven. Why this is hire and salary no revenge.

Bonilla 2 Through these lines Hamlet states that if he were to kill Claudius in this moment, Claudius would get sent to heaven. This would be doing his uncle a favor because heaven is more enjoyable than earth. Hamlet assuredly does not want to send his cruel uncle to heaven when his innocent father was sent to hell. Hamlets father did not make it into heaven because he was murdered by Claudius before he had a chance to repent for his sins. When Hamlet saw Claudius kneeling down, he assumed he was repenting from his sins. This is why Hamlet states that if he were to kill Claudius in that instant he would have been sent to heaven. This entire situation is ironic because Claudius is not praying while he is kneeling down; he is only confessing his murder. If Hamlet were to kill him at that moment, he could have sent his malicious uncle to hell. This act could have ended the play; but, since Hamlet chooses to wait for the right moment to kill Claudius, the play is prolonged. Hamlets inactive will leads him to creating another exemption to fulfilling his duties as a noble son. Through his thoughtful process, Hamlet formulated the most immaculate way to kill his uncle. Up, sword; and know thou a more horrid hent: When he is drunk asleep, or in his rage, Or in th incestuous pleasure of his bed; At game, a-swearing, or about some act That has no relish of salvation int; Then trip him, that his heels may kick at heaven, And that his soul may be damnd and black As hell, whereto it goes. (III.3.88-95).

Bonilla 3 In this passage, Hamlet talks about how he should wait to kill Claudius. Hamlet concocts many foul situations where he could murder Claudius. In the passage, he lists various circumstances when Claudiuss murder would be most appropriate. However, the single most important factor to Hamlet is for Claudius to be unable to repent for his sins. This is a guaranteed way to send him to hell. Hamlet desires to catch his uncle in the act of his sins. Once he does, he knows that Claudius will be yearning to go to heaven. However, since he will not have enough time to have his sins forgiven, Claudius will be condemned to hell. Although Hamlet mostly talks about what he will do, he truly does want to avenge his father. This physic but prolongs thy sickly days (III.3.96). What Hamlet means by this statement is that he does not intend for his uncle to be alive much longer. However Hamlets unsure attitude makes it nearly impossible for him to act. There are other factors such as timing holding him back; however, the main obstacle keeping Hamlet away from his goals is his own self. Hamlet must conquer his indecisive behavior in order to kill his uncle. Hamlet utilizes multiple vibrant phrases to express his contempt for Claudius. For example, Hamlet refers to his uncle as villain in line (III.3.76.). He also states that his uncles soul is damnd and black (III.3.94). These abrupt comments sum up how Hamlet feels toward Claudius during the entire play. Hamlet abhors his uncle and wishes for him to be dead. These statements depict how adamant he feels about killing his uncle. It begins to illuminate the importance of his father to him and it also shows how Claudius can never measure up to the standards of Hamlets father. The phrase, [Claudius] prolongs his sickly days in Act III Scene

Bonilla 4 3 Line 96, shows how Hamlet views his uncles life. He sees it as something which should conclude soon. Since Hamlet knows Claudius must die, he is again willing to kill him-but only at the right time. This reveals Hamlets overly-cautious self once more and it later proves how a lack of action can lead to the destruction of others. Hamlets main concern throughout the play is always his strategy. He constantly over thinks his every move. While other characters can be timid at times, they find the courage to act if they need to. Hamlet has an excellent insight and very superior planning skills. However, his flaws are especially shone through his soliloquy in Act III Scene 3 Lines 73-96. Hamlet is gifted in seeing the faults in others; he looks so much at others that he fails to see his own flaws. He is too anxious to act. If Hamlet only realized his faults he could have stopped his imminent death.

Works Cited Shakespeare, William. Hamlet, Prince of Denmark. Literature And Its Writers. Boston: Bedford/St. Martins, 2013. 1303-1304. Print.