beds, fight for a plot Whereon the numbers cannot try the cause, Which is not tomb enough and continent To hide the slain? O, from this time forth My thoughts be bloody or be nothing worth! (4.4.63-9).Hamlet reasons that these soldiers fight and die simply because that is there fate - regardless if the plot of land is insignificant. He realizes what his role is. Hence, he does not falter in his conviction upon his return from England, and fully embraces his role. Upon his confrontation with Laertes, he says "This is I, / Hamlet the Dane" (5.1.270-1) - meaning the true King of Denmark. This action by Hamlet is appropriate for someone as wronged as he was. In his reaction to Ophelia's death, Hamlet again displays behavior that reinforces his role. She was his true love interest, and perhaps loved her more than her brother. This is illustrated by Hamlet's statement "I loved Ophelia. Forty thousand brothers / Could not with all their quantity of love / Make up my sum" (5.1.285-7). Hamlet concedes that he should have loved her, but did not. Had Hamlet truly loved Ophelia, he would not have treated her so harshly. Hamlet is now committed to role playing, and portraying love for her at this time, fits the role.In the remaining scenes of this play, Hamlet is steadfast in his role. He has but moments to relate to Horatio his tale of escape, before he is challenged by Laertes. Hamlet is left without options, in regards to Laertes's challenge, he must defend his honor. Hamlet enters this match, but more importantly, accepts the role of his destiny: to kill Claudius and avenge the death of his father.Survival in this play is based on one's ability to role play. Polonius was unable to adhere to his role of adviser, and attempted to convince Claudius that Hamlet was enamored with his daughter. This led Polonius to spy on Hamlet, and since he was not successful in that venture, it cost him his life. Ophelia obviously was unable to bea...
