What does the audience learn from Hamlet's first soliloquy?

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What does the audience learn from Hamlet’s first soliloquy? (Act 1, Scene 2)

Hamlet’s first soliloquy serves to inform the audience of a variety of points, most notably his perception of the past events.  The function of this is to warn the audience of the tensions that may arise as a result of his insights.

The audience immediately learns of Hamlet’s lack of self-worth through the opening lines of his soliloquy.  He wishes his “flesh would melt, thaw and resolve itself into a dew” and laments God’s forbiddance of suicide.  The relevance of this quote stands in creating an immediate divide between Hamlet and Claudius.  The lack of confidence shown in the first quote contrasts hugely with that of his uncle, who instead of focusing on his emotions, directs his energy towards resent for another, the King of Norway, calling him “impotent and bed-rid”.  Whilst Hamlet appears introverted and tender, his uncle appears extroverted and full of ambition, going so far as to condemn Hamlet for “unmanly grief”.  This serves to create a powerful divide between these two characters, foreshadowing future tension between the two to the audience.

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Another contrast is shown when the audience’s original perception of Hamlet’s intelligence is challenged.  Before his soliloquy, we notice that Hamlet’s lines are considerably shorter and less articulate than those of the other characters.  Whilst we learn later the reasons behind this (his personality is forced with Gertrude and Claudius) the audience may originally perceive Hamlet as simply lacking in intellect.  This idea is furthered by Claudius’ accusation that Hamlet’s sorrow presents him as having “a mind impatient, an understanding simple and unschooled.”  On the other hand, the language used in Hamlet’s first soliloquy, particularly his knowledge of Greek ...

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