Character Analysis: Hamlet

1. "A little more than kin, and less than kind!" (I.2.64-65)
   Hamlet says this to Claudius because Claudius calls Hamlet "son" (I.2.63). Hamlet does not want Claudius to refer to him as his own son because Hamlet's father just died so he is still very sensitive. Plus, Hamlet is not very fond of Claudius in general. And also because Hamlet does not resemble Claudius at all, so it is obvious that Hamlet is not his real son.

2. "O that this too too sullied flesh would melt, Thaw, and resolve itself into a dew, or that the Everlasting had not fixed His canon 'gainst self-slaughter." (I.2.129-132)
    Hamlet is says this as he is talking to himself out loud when Claudius and his mother leave the room. This is the first time the readers see just how depressed and grieved Hamlet truly is about his father's death and his mother's new marriage. He is saying that he would commit suicide if it wasn't unlawful in God's eyes.

3. "This heavy-headed revel east and west makes us traduced and taxed of other nations. They clepe us drunkards and with swinish phrase soil our addition, and indeed it takes from our achievements..." (I.4.17-21)
   Hamlet says this to Horatio in anger toward Claudius. Hamlet says that Claudius is going to be up all night celebrating his new marriage. Horatio asks if it is a tradition to do so, which it normally would be. However, the King of the country so recently died, so Hamlet is saying that other nations see them as drunkards. This quote shows that Hamlet sincerely cares for his country and the way the country is portrayed.

4. "Why, what should be the fear? I do not set my life at a pin's fee..." (I.4.64)
    Hamlet is asking Horatio what he should be afraid of as the ghost of his father summons him to follow him. Hamlet sees the ghost of his father and he asks the ghost what it wants, yet the ghost merely motions Hamlet to follow him. Hamlet is not afraid to follow the ghost because at this point in the play, his life is worthless to him. Therefore, he has all the courage in the world because he does not care if he dies.

5. "That's a fair thought to lie between maids' legs." (III.2.121)
    Hamlet can be very inappropriate at times in this play. Of course, it is Shakespeare who made him that way. Hamlet says this to Ophelia after he says, "shall i lie in your lap?" (III.2. 115). Ophelia says no and Hamlet asks if she thought he was talking about sex. At this point in the play Ophelia is getting mixed signals from Hamlet, and this comment makes everything worse. He is very blunt with his comments at times.