When Hamlet sees Fortinbras' army heading into battle in Poland, he is moved to deliver a gripping monologue about the battle raging in his soul. Passion and anger drive Hamlet to avenge his father's murder at all costs, while logic and reason prevent him from blindly following his feelings. In the scene after killing Polonious, Hamlet must decide whether to end his quest for revenge or continue with his murderous plans. This monologue sees Hamlet turn away from the logic that has stifled him and embrace the irrational passion that will guide his actions for the rest of the play. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay Much of the speech is like the locker room chant before a big football game: “I have a cause, a will, a strength and a means. , not to do. (IV.iv.45)" Hamlet seems to be preparing to avenge his father's death. Inspired by the courage and strength of the soldiers, he rebels against his previous inaction, going so far as to describe it as bestial. But the idea that his soliloquy is merely a captivating pep talk does not stand up to scrutiny The speech is full of irony and contradictions that hint at the complex meaning of Hamlet's words at the beginning of the soliloquy. , Hamlet says that his reason will lead him from his state of apathy to action According to him, this divine ability to reason is what separates man from the beast, . (IV.iv.33) Yet it is his “great speech” and reason that push Hamlet to murder, the most bestial and least divine of actions. This contradiction illustrates the conflict between Hamlet's desire to act. and logical thinking that leads him away from his goal Another example of this appears later in the passage where Hamlet describes his inaction to the reader by saying that he "Let all sleep (IV.iv.59)". He then continues to praise the courage of the soldiers by saying that they “go to their graves like beds (IV.iv.62)”. Hamlet uses the same images to describe the inaction he hates and the action he yearns for, blurring his opinion of the soldiers' willingness to act. Perhaps Hamlet does not value the blind actions of the soldiers any more than he does his own apathy. Evidence supporting this notion can be seen throughout this passage. Hamlet repeatedly declares his respect and admiration for the army that goes into battle before him. Yet even as he speaks their praises, Hamlet points out the folly of their actions. He knows it's pointless for so many of them to fight and die for the little piece of worthless land they're going to defend. Clearly, Hamlet is mocking the courage he claims to envy and desire. Hamlet defines honor by saying that a great man is slow to anger, but quick to fight when his honor is at stake. This dubious statement conveys Hamlet's feeling that honor is nothing other than a pretext allowing men to express their passions. Hamlet's lack of respect for honor comes from his belief that it allows men to do what they feel, rather than what they think. Upon close inspection, Hamlet's remarks prove to be an insightful comment criticizing irrational action. From this point of view, Hamlet's speech appears filled with “divine reason”. Enigmatic language veils Hamlet's internal struggle throughout the passage. He wonders about the benefits of courage and speed of action, which he will need to accomplish his revenge. He questions the value of honor, which is his reason for avenging his father. In fact, the whole logic of Hamlet, 1982.