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Why Does Hamlet Want To Die

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In Mel Gibson’s Braveheart, the main character William Wallace says, “Every man dies. Not every man really lives.” This idea of the importance of living a full life is the same idea that William Shakespeare portrays in his tragedy Hamlet. The main character recognizes this truth too late while his best friend, and arguably the noblest character, grasp it just in time. These realizations convey the theme that it’s nobler to live than die. For example, after much internal debate throughout the play, Hamlet finally concludes that he wanted to live in the end. To start his debate, he ponders, “To be, or not to be, that is the question” (Shakespeare 63). Hamlet is wondering if he should live or not. Then, by the resolution of the play, Hamlet uttered, “Had I but time-as this fell sergeant, Death,/ Is strict in his arrest” (Shakespeare 126). This statement reveals that Hamlet doesn’t want to die now; he wants to live to tell his story. Part of the tragedy occurs in the fact that Hamlet realized too late that it is more noble to live than to die. …show more content…
In the play after the ghost appeared, Horatio exclaimed, “Before my God, I might not this believe/ Without the sensible and true avouch/ Of mine own eyes” (Shakespeare 17). Horatio wouldn’t have believed Hamlet seeing the ghost if he didn’t see it himself. He’s more logical and doesn’t believe just anything. Towards the end, Horatio said, “ Here’s yet some liquor left.” Hamlet told him, “Give me the cup, Let go, by heaven I’ll haven’t” (Shakespeare 126). Horatio is about to drink the poison that is left, but Hamlet stopped him and got Horatio thinking more clearly and logically so Horatio could tell Hamlet’s story. Always think logically before acting upon your thought because it could end

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