(3.2.292). It is as if Hamlet is saying 'it's only a play, it is not real.' Hamlet does mention something to this effect with his previous lines "Your majesty and we that have free / souls, it touches us not" (3.2.265-6). This proof drives Hamlet to more words, this time referring to killing, "[n]ow could I drink hot / blood" (3.2.422-3). Again, Hamlet associates these actions with that of a role, in this instance, the role of Nero, "[t]he soul of Nero enter this firm bosom" (3.2.427). Again later, Hamlet talks himself out of character and does not kill Claudius. He 'puts it off' until later days and states When he is drunk asleep, or in his rage, Or in th' incestuous pleasure of his bed, At game a-swearing, or about some act That has no relish of salvation in 'tThen trip him, that his heels may kick at heaven, And that his soul may be as damned and blackAs hell (3.3.94-100). Hamlet is awaiting Claudius to fit the part of the villain. His action is virtually paralyzed whenever something or someone does not fit the part. Hamlet needs his revenge to be dramatic, so that he can finally get into his role and play it out.After Hamlet backs out of killing Claudius, he says to his mother "O shame, where is thy blush?" (3.4.91). Here, he is voicing his displeasure for his mother not only marrying his uncle, but for not being true to herself. Again, Hamlet is contradicting himself. He has been - throughout the first two-thirds of this play - ambiguous and untrue to himself. At this juncture, he is still uncertain as to how to proceed. Hamlet is caught in his inner turmoil of acting out his role, and objectivity. Finally, Hamlet's thoughts and actions are placed in order, and he makes the decision to uphold the destiny his father had proclaimed. Hamlet makes this momentous decision while watching the soldiers going off to battle, The imminent death of twenty thousand men That for a fantasy and trick of fame Go to their graves like ...
