Hamlet's Soliloquy

In Kenneth Branagh’s rendition of Act 3 Scene 1 of Hamlet’s soliloquy, the use of the mirror in which Hamlet speaks to represents a parallel world which is a theme throughout the novel and the appearance of false reality. Throughout Hamlet there are many parallels. There is a parallel to Hamlet and Fortinbras, Fortinbras’ Uncle and Claudius, and between the Queen and Fortune. Also, the mirror represents the illusion of something being real when it is not. This is shown through acting. This causes doubt to the authenticity of Hamlet’s soliloquy. He may or may not know of the whereabouts of Polonius and Claudius. In Branagh’s rendition Hamlet is shown standing about 6 feet in front of a mirror. He begins talking in a low voice, almost a whisper slowly walking towards the mirror. After saying, “what dreams may come”(65) music begins playing, intensifying the scene. His actions seem as though he is trying to instill fear in someone, making it seem as though hw knows someone is watching. Throughout the soliloquy Hamlet is only seen through the mirror, only his back is shown at the beginning which eventually is only himself in the mirror. This represents a false person. It is not truly Hamlet, only his reflection. His reflection is the false Hamlet, the actor. He is aware of Claudius’ presence. Hamlets reasoning to this soliloquy threaten the King. After saying, “When he himself might his quitus make with a bare bodkin..” (74-75) Hamlet pulls out a dagger, and a flash of Claudius’ fearful face is shown. This passage means that Hamlet can make the score even of his father’s death with a dagger. This act that Hamlet is given is a warning to his Uncle. The dagger foreshadows the fate Hamlet wishes upon his Uncle to avenge his father’s death. Hamlet’s loony demeanor in the play is an act, just as this soliloquy is. It is a front to deceive everyone. His deceit is driven from his desire to avenge his father. After Hamlet pulls out the dagger continues to advance the mirror till he becomes almost inches away. He brings the dagger towards his heads and presses it against his face while he continues his soliloquy. In the play, as he does this, he says “And thus conscience does make cowards of us all”(82). In the play “conscience” means reflection which directly connects to Branagh’s rendition. In the rendition, Hamlet is staring into his reflection in the mirror. In the play the passage means that self reflection can frighten someone, perhaps from seeing the actual truth that one holds deep within. In the rendition, as Hamlet ends the soliloquy, he touches the mirror with his sword and says, “And lose the name of action”(87). The soliloquy is a reflection, just as the one seen throughout the rendition, of Hamlet’s life and future doings. When Hamlet says, “pangs of depis’d love”(71) he speaks to Ophelia. When Hamlet says, “that patient merit of th’ unworthy takes”(73) he speaks to his Uncle who took the thrown from his father, “unworthy” of it. Though Hamlet acts as though he is alone, his speech is directed toward Claudius. In it he reflects upon the pains in his life and the pains he wishes to seek out against those “unworthy”. The dagger shown in the rendition shows Hamlet’s intentions. His intention of this soliloquy is to threaten Claudius shown through his low voice, his dagger, and his use of words. The soliloquy is a parallel of his life.