Comment on Shakespeare's use of soliloquy in 'Hamlet'. By detailed reference to Hamlet's 1st Soliloquy demonstrate how Shakespeare uses the device to reveal certain aspects of Hamlet's character, state of mind and motivation.

... English Literature Assignment Text: 'Hamlet' by William Shakespeare Task: Comment on Shakespeare's use of soliloquy in 'Hamlet'. By detailed reference to Hamlet's 1st Soliloquy demonstrate how Shakespeare uses the device to reveal certain aspects of Hamlet's character, state of mind and motivation. A soliloquy is when an actor speaks to himself addressing the audience only. He or she is usually on their own. It is used in drama so they can reveal to the audience what the character is thinking, the motive and reason, the kind of character and state of mind, and a window into their inner life of a character. This is used in Hamlet many times to reveal parts of the plot, like what characters are thinking that would never have been revealed if it wasn't for soliloquy. An example of this is Hamlets soliloquy in Act 1 Scene 2. Shakespeare uses this device in many other plays, e.g. Macbeth.

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