Understanding Hamlet’s "What Is a Man?" Speech: Deep Insights into Shakespeare's Masterpiece

Commonly known as "How All Occasions Do Inform Against Me" soliloquy in act 4

How All Occasions Do Inform Against Me: An In-Depth Analysis of Hamlet’s Soliloquy

Introduction

One of Shakespeare's most profound and introspective moments occurs in the play Hamlet, specifically in the powerful soliloquy often referred to as the "What Is a Man?" or the "How All Occasions Do Inform Against Me" speech. Even if you haven't read or seen Hamlet, exploring this speech can provide profound insights into human nature, action, and life's deepest questions.

Setting the Scene: Contextual Background

To fully appreciate this speech, it's essential to understand its context within the play. Hamlet is the Prince of Denmark, deeply troubled by the suspicious death of his father, King Hamlet. He discovers evidence that his uncle, Claudius, now the new king, has murdered his father. Claudius has also hastily married Hamlet's mother, Gertrude, adding layers of emotional complexity to Hamlet's turmoil.

Throughout the play, Hamlet wrestles with the moral and philosophical implications of revenge. Shakespeare adapted Hamlet from an ancient Norse legend about Prince Amleth, who feigned madness and took ruthless revenge against his uncle. Unlike the simpler, action-driven Norse tale, Shakespeare adds intricate layers of philosophical debate, existential questions, and internal conflict.

By the time we reach this speech, Hamlet has accidentally killed Polonius, a trusted advisor to King Claudius, mistaking him for Claudius himself. This rash act results in Hamlet being sent away to England with orders that secretly instruct his execution. Before leaving Denmark, Hamlet encounters an army led by young Prince Fortinbras of Norway, marching to reclaim an insignificant piece of land purely for honor.

The Significance of the Five-Act Structure

Shakespearean plays often follow a five-act structure:

• Act I (Exposition): Characters and conflicts are introduced.

• Act II (Rising Action): Complications intensify.

• Act III (Climax): A major turning point occurs—in Hamlet’s case, killing Polonius.

• Act IV (Falling Action): Consequences unfold, setting up the resolution—where Hamlet's introspective speech occurs.

• Act V (Resolution): Conflicts resolve dramatically, typically resulting in tragedy.

  
  

Hamlet's "What Is a Man?" speech is strategically placed within Act IV, representing a critical pivot from introspection towards decisive action.

Hamlet’s Speech in Modern English

First in modern verse

HAMLET

How all occasions do inform against me

And spur my dull revenge. What is a man

If his chief good and value of his time

Be but to sleep and feed? A beast, no more.

Sure He that made us with such large discourse,

Looking before and after, gave us not

That capability and godlike reason

To rot in us unused. Now whether it be

Beastly oblivion or some cowardly hesitation

Of thinking too precisely on the event

(A thought which, quartered, has but one part

wisdom

And ever three parts coward), I do not know

Why yet I live to say “This thing’s to do,”

Since I have cause, and will, and strength, and means

To do it. Examples blunt as Earth exhort me:

Witness this army of such mass and charge,

Led by a delicate and tender prince,

Whose spirit with ambition divine puffed

Mocks the unseen outcome,

Exposing what is mortal and unsure

To all that fortune, death, and danger dare,

Even for an eggshell. Rightly to be great

Is not to stir without great argument,

But greatly to find quarrel in a straw

When honor’s at the stake. How stand I, then,

That have a father killed, a mother stained,

Excitements of my reason and my blood,

And let all sleep, while to my shame I see

The imminent death of twenty thousand men

That for a fantasy and trick of fame

Go to their graves like beds, fight for a plot

Whereon the numbers cannot try the cause,

Which is not tomb enough and enough space

To hide the slain? O, from this time forth

My thoughts be bloody or be nothing worth!

Hamlet reflects deeply:

Next in prose

"Everything I see reminds me of my failure to act and spurs me to finally seek revenge. But what truly defines a human being? If our highest purpose is merely to eat and sleep, we're no better than animals. God gave us intelligence and reason, surely not intending it to waste away unused. Yet, here I am, stuck—either due to animal-like oblivion or cowardly overthinking. Despite clear reasons and ample opportunity, I remain inactive. Look at this army led by young Fortinbras—men willing to die for something trivial, motivated purely by honor. Real greatness involves decisively taking action even for minor causes when honor demands. What am I doing then, with a murdered father and dishonored mother, yet doing nothing while thousands prepare to die over meaningless land? From this moment forward, let my thoughts be bloody or worthless."

Full original text:

How all occasions do inform against me

And spur my dull revenge. What is a man

If his chief good and market of his time

Be but to sleep and feed? A beast, no more.

Sure He that made us with such large discourse,

Looking before and after, gave us not

That capability and godlike reason

To fust in us unused. Now whether it be

Bestial oblivion or some craven scruple

Of thinking too precisely on th’ event

(A thought which, quartered, hath but one part

wisdom

And ever three parts coward), I do not know

Why yet I live to say “This thing’s to do,”

Sith I have cause, and will, and strength, and means

To do ’t. Examples gross as Earth exhort me:

Witness this army of such mass and charge,

Led by a delicate and tender prince,

Whose spirit with divine ambition puffed

Makes mouths at the invisible event,

Exposing what is mortal and unsure

To all that fortune, death, and danger dare,

Even for an eggshell. Rightly to be great

Is not to stir without great argument,

But greatly to find quarrel in a straw

When honor’s at the stake. How stand I, then,

That have a father killed, a mother stained,

Excitements of my reason and my blood,

And let all sleep, while to my shame I see

The imminent death of twenty thousand men

That for a fantasy and trick of fame

Go to their graves like 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!

Analysis: Delving Deeper into Hamlet's Reflections

Hamlet's speech confronts a timeless human dilemma—the conflict between thought and action. He criticizes himself harshly for intellectual paralysis, realizing that excessive thinking has made him "one part wisdom and three parts coward." Hamlet admires Fortinbras' decisive action, even though the cause is trivial, highlighting his frustration at his inability to act decisively despite significant cause.

Shakespeare uses Hamlet's reflections to explore profound philosophical questions:

• Purpose of Life: Hamlet questions whether life's meaning extends beyond basic survival.

• Human Rationality: He emphasizes human reason as a divine gift that demands purposeful use.

• Action vs. Hesitation: The speech sharply contrasts decisive action (represented by Fortinbras) against Hamlet’s indecisiveness.

  
  

Performance Insights: Branagh vs. Andrew Scott

The speech has been interpreted by many remarkable actors, each offering distinct insights into Hamlet’s complex psychology. Kenneth Branagh's Hamlet portrays strength and determination, delivering the speech with controlled intensity, clearly demonstrating Hamlet's pivot toward resolution and action. In contrast, Andrew Scott’s Hamlet captures manic anxiety and profound inner turmoil. Scott emphasizes Hamlet’s vulnerability and confusion, making the character appear deeply unsettled and uncertain of his next steps.

These contrasting portrayals underscore different aspects of Hamlet’s personality:

• Branagh’s Robustness: Presents Hamlet as introspective but ultimately courageous, resolving to act.

• Scott’s Manic Vulnerability: Highlights Hamlet’s internal chaos, offering a compelling portrait of a man drowning in doubt and hesitation.

  
  

Personal Reflections: Thought and Action in Our Own Lives

Hamlet’s reflections echo our personal struggles between contemplation and action. Many of us experience similar internal debates, hesitating in the face of important decisions or actions. Shakespeare captures a profound truth—that excessive contemplation can lead to paralysis. The speech challenges us to recognize when thoughtful analysis becomes an excuse for inaction.

However, Hamlet also illustrates that true greatness involves thought followed by decisive, purposeful action. Recognizing our hesitation clearly can be the very catalyst we need to act boldly and purposefully.

The Broader Implications of Hamlet's Dilemma

The Nature of Honor and Action

Hamlet's internal conflict raises questions about the nature of honor. What does it mean to act honorably? Is it enough to simply think about our actions, or must we also take steps to fulfill our responsibilities? The speech invites us to consider how we define honor in our own lives.

The Role of External Influences

Hamlet's reflections also highlight the impact of external influences on our decisions. The army led by Fortinbras serves as a stark reminder of how societal expectations can drive individuals to act, even when the cause seems trivial. This raises the question: how often do we act based on societal pressures rather than our own convictions?

The Consequences of Inaction

Hamlet's soliloquy serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of inaction. His failure to act leads to tragic consequences, not only for himself but for those around him. This serves as a powerful reminder that in our own lives, hesitation can have far-reaching effects.

Conclusion: Embracing the Wisdom of Hamlet

Exploring Hamlet’s "What Is a Man?" speech provides valuable life lessons, whether or not you’re familiar with Shakespeare. Hamlet’s struggle between thought and action is universal. We’re reminded that while thoughtful consideration is essential, ultimately life demands courage and decisive action.

Let Hamlet’s insight guide you—when your moment arrives, seize it boldly, with purpose and conviction. As Hamlet resolves, let our thoughts lead to meaningful action—or else, indeed, let them be nothing worth at all.

Further Exploration

• Watch Kenneth Branagh’s complete adaptation of Hamlet (1996) for a comprehensive experience.

• Compare with Andrew Scott’s compelling portrayal for alternative insights.

• Read Shakespeare’s original text or a modernized version to further your understanding.