HAMLET QUOTE ESSAY

"O! That this too solid flesh would melt, thaw and resolve itself into a dew."

In act one scene two of the play, Hamlet's utterance of the words, "O! That this too too solid flesh would melt, thaw and resolve itself into a dew," serves to broaden the audience's understanding as well as to expand Hamlet's own understanding.  He addresses depression and anger with who he is as a person.  This quote is not intended to be taken entirely literally; he wishes to die but also to become a different person and to not feel the way he does.

Hamlet feels caged inside of his skin; he does not necessarily want to die, but he can't stand his current position.  This quote can be interpreted in a multitude of ways.  First, Hamlet feels anchored down by his "too solid flesh."  He doesn't feel free and wants to tear out of his flesh like a child tearing through a wrapped present.  At one point or another every living human has wanted to change who he or she is.  This could be either mentally or physically; in this instance Hamlet is clearly undergoing a mental struggle. 

This quote is also a sign that Hamlet is suffering from depression.  He does not enjoy his physical existence, but suffers through it.  He struggles with thoughts of death and suicide, thus wishing his flesh would turn into a dew.  More than the act of death, Hamlet wants to simply stop existing.  He would rather his skin "resolve itself into a dew" in order for him to drift away peacefully and not be the one pressing a knife against his own throat.

Hamlet's apathy and depression show through in this quote, which shows his will to die but also his hesitation to kill himself.  Much like a real person, Hamlet isn't one hundred percent sure of what he wants.  He is torn between who he is and who he wants to be.  The liquid dew provides a contrast to the solid flesh, representing Hamlet's inner struggle.