1. Choose one of Hamlet's soliloquies and discuss it in depth, showing how your understanding of the play as a whole was improved through closer examination of your chosen soliloquy.
             Full of irony, philosophy, and with the familiar subject of revenge, Hamlet's sixth soliloquy reflects themes of the entire play, and helped further my understanding of Shakespeare's masterpiece, Hamlet. The title character, in his second-to-last monologue reflected upon yet another obstacle in his path of revenge: Claudius' repentance. This barrier created frustration for the avenger, but also a reason for further procrastination, which so often was Hamlet's way out of a situation. The subject of the soliloquy was essentially that if Claudius were killed by Hamlet while repenting, he would go to heaven. This situation was ironic because of Claudius' secret inability to pray, and the irony was unknowingly reflected throughout Hamlet's viewpoint of the situation. Hamlet's philosophy was educated, but very ironic, as were many of the words and images that Hamlet put forward. The characteristics of this soliloquy; the subject, irony, Hamlet's procrastination and his philosophy were true reflections of the entire play, and that is why my understanding of the play developed and improved by examining the sixth soliloquy.
             The subject of Hamlet's sixth aside was very similar to his other six because of his inability to act upon his conviction. Hamlet was told to avenge his father's 'foul and most unnatural murder' knowing fully that this was his duty. However, throughout the play we discover his soft heart and often his inability to act; by this he was betraying his father's command to 'taint not [his] mind': this betrayal was more than evident in this soliloquy. His mind was tainted by the thought that if 'a villain kills [his] father... [Hamlet], his son do this same vill...