ABSTRACT

In the brief fifth soliloquy no 'philosophy' is being propounded, no consideration of the world and its ways or of Hamlet's internal anguish is forthcoming. The first part of the soliloquy corresponds roughly to the general use made of the other soliloquies in that it opens a window into Hamlet's mind. On the contrary, in the second part of this soliloquy, under the palpably thin pretext of talking to himself about his future intentions, Hamlet steps out of the dramatic framework to warn the audience not to misinterpret his actions in the scene anticipated. The crudeness of the device must reflect what Shakespeare felt to be an unusually urgent need to guide the audience's reactions in what was about to be presented. Any exploitation of the sensational in the closet scene would necessarily detract from the audience's understanding of Hamlet's purpose and the firm manner in which he carried it out under the gravest difficulties.