Hamlet Analyis Act 4

Act IV Analysis

            In Act IV scene IV Hamlet is angry with himself because he hasn’t taken action and killed King Claudius. He just talked to a Capitan about how Fortinbras is fighting over a land with Poland that really means nothing to either side, but they are both taking action to have it. This spurs Hamlet into a rage that makes him question himself on why he has still yet to take action and kill Claudius.

             Shakespeare uses this speech from Hamlet to show that action even for something that is means nothing is better and nobler than sitting around and doing nothing. Shakespeare’s uses Hamlet to allow the audience to see that people will die for a cause that has no meaning. Which then in turn make one ask the question “What would others do for a cause that means everything?” Not only does he bring a new meaning to the word action but he allows people to see that if you don’t take action as soon as possible one will sit wait and never find a good time to do what is right.

            As a result of Hamlets epiphany, he is spurned into action and finally extracts revenge on Claudius.  Actions speak louder than words. This is probably what Shakespeare was saying when he wrote this scene. It is true if all Hamlet or anyone ever did was speak and not act nothing would get done, no wars would be won no new things would be made and no accomplishments would be finished.

            Through this scene Shakespeare is saying “take the bull by the horns” because if you don’t you will end up doing nothing with your life. You have to accomplish something others wise you are never remembered and you will just be another leaf that falls into the pile by the tree, unrecognizable and one like many other people. So take action and see what you can accomplish in your life.