Question

In his first appearance in Act I, Hamlet protests that his grief is not feigned but deeply felt. In his soliloquy ending Act II, he berates himself for not showing as much grief as the First Player. Write a paragraph explaining which speech reflects Hamlet’s actual level of grief. Use evidence from the play to support your answer. Your answer should be at least one hundred words.

Answer 1

In his first soliloquy, Hamlet is upset that he is unable to commit suicide. He wishes death upon himself, but is unable to commit suicide because of his religion. Hamlet states that he would sooner die than continue watching his mother engage in incest. This speech reflects Hamlet's actual level of grief because he is unable to speak these thoughts to anyone, they continue to torment him.