Hamlet Soliloquies Flashcards

What does Hamlet mean when he says, 'O, sullied flesh would melt'?

What promise does Hamlet make in 'O, all you host of heaven'?

In 'what a rogue and peasant slave I am', what is Hamlet's state of mind?

What existential question does Hamlet ponder in 'to be or not to be'?

What does Hamlet mean by 'tis now the very witching time of night'?

Why does Hamlet hesitate to kill Claudius in 'now might I do it pat now he is praying'?

How does Hamlet feel about Fortinbras after reflecting in 'how all occasions do inform against me..thoughts be bloody'?

Soliloquy Summaries

"O, sullied flesh would melt" expresses Hamlet's despair, contemplating suicide due to his disillusionment with the world and his mother's quick remarriage.
"O, all you host of heaven" captures Hamlet's vow to remember the ghost of his father, cementing his commitment to revenge, reflecting on the moral decay he sees in his mother and Claudius.
"What a rogue and peasant slave I am" reveals Hamlet's internal conflict and self-reproach over his hesitation to kill Claudius, frustrated by the emotional performance of the players compared to his own inaction.
"To be or not to be" contemplates the universal dilemma of existence versus non-existence, with Hamlet fearing the uncertainty of the afterlife, equating death to sleep and the undiscovered country.
"Tis now the very witching time of night" indicates Hamlet's intention to confront his mother, using verbal daggers while resolving not to harm her physically.
"Now might I do it pat now he is praying" signifies Hamlet's opportunity to kill Claudius, showing his reluctance to do so in prayer, wanting to ensure Claudius's damnation by waiting for a moment of sin.
"How all occasions do inform against me... thoughts be bloody" reflects Hamlet's admiration for Fortinbras’s determination to avenge his father, motivating Hamlet to focus solely on avenging his own father’s death.

Explore the profound soliloquies from Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' with these flashcards. Each card features a significant line and its intricate meaning, offering insight into Hamlet's psyche and the play's themes. Perfect for students studying this classic tragedy!