Hamlet Conflict Essay

Question 1

Name the quotes for paragraph 1 and analyse

Answer 1

“With wings as swift”
Shakespeares work choice of “swift” along with sibilants, conveys Hamlets initial certainty to act on the Ghosts demand for revenge. This suggests he believes the ghost is telling the truth.
“May be the devil”
Shakespeares juxtaposes Hamlets early assertion that he will act immediately with his later doubt, as Hamlet begins to question if the ghost is really his father or a demonic illusion. He then chooses inaction, disguising his hesitation by pretending to be mad.

Question 2

Name the quotes in para 2 and analyse

Answer 2

“To be or not to be: that is the question”
Shakespeare opens this soliloquy by clearly demonstrating that hamlet is contemplating death. Whether continuing to live has any meaning when death is the possibility of a peaceful escape from his internal conflict.
“To die ,to sleep”
Shakespeare contrasts hamlet’s perception of how peaceful and seemingly simple it might be to accept his death by contrasting its appearance with reality as he begins to consider how death may bring unknown horrors rather than peace. This shows that his contemplation of death has increased his fear of the unknown forces that led him into inaction once again.

Question 3

Name the quotes in paragraph 3 and analyse

Answer 3

“Now might I do it”
The repetition of “now” shows hamlets momentary resolve, but this quickly collapses. Hamlet believes Claudius is praying, meaning killing him now would send his soul to heaven- an act of justice rather than revenge.
“My words fly up but my thoughts remain below”
Dramatic irony reveals that claudius’s prayers are insincere- Hamlets perception of the scene is false, and his hesitation based on illusion rather than truth. Hamlet blinded by his need for absolute certainty, loses his best chance for revenge.

Question 4

Name the quotes in para 4 and analyse

Answer 4

“Are you like the Painting of a sorrow?”
Claudius manipulates Laertes by questioning his grief, suggesting that true sorrow demands the immediate action. This is a direct contrast to Hamlet, who hesitates for the entire play.
“The king, the kings to blame”
Laertes, poisoned and dying, finally regains his moral conscience and redeems himself, revealing Claudiuses treachery. In response, Hamlet takes decisive action, killing Claudius- but too late and with tragic consequences for all major characters. Shakespeares use of procrastination has led to the collapse of the entire royal family.

Question 5

Name the dramatic devices Shakespeare uses in Hamlet

Answer 5

Characterisation, soliloquy, key scenes, the turning point and the climax

Question 6

What is Hamlets tragic flaw?

Answer 6

His procrastination

Question 7

What’s the main theme explored in Hamlets inner conflict?

Answer 7

The appearance and reality