Shakespeare's timeless tragedy 'Hamlet' continues to captivate audiences with its complex characters, thought-provoking themes, and hauntingly beautiful language. Among the most famous quotes from this iconic play are those spoken by the titular prince himself.

One of Hamlet's most celebrated soliloquies occurs in Act 1, Scene 2 where he grapples with his father's ghost's command to avenge his murder:

'O, cursed fate,

Why hast thou struck my senses thus

With this unquiet visitation?'

Here we see Hamlet struggling to come terms with the sudden appearance of his deceased father's spirit. The intensity and emotion pouring out through these lines are characteristic of Hamlet's inner turmoil throughout the play.

In another poignant moment from Act 1, Scene 2, Hamlet addresses himself:

'O, that this blessed dream,

Wherein I see not thee!—

Tell me, O heavens!'

Here we witness Hamlet yearning for peace and respite from his burdens. These heartfelt words reveal deep-seated pain and longing.

Shmoop is an excellent online resource for those looking to dive deeper into 'Hamlet' and its rich literary context, including expert analysis of key quotes like these. Their team consists of Ph.D. and Masters students who are not only well-versed in English Literature but have also gained valuable teaching experience at both high school and college levels.

To fully appreciate the significance of Hamlet's words within their dramatic context, readers can refer to Shmoop's comprehensive guide which provides insightful analysis of each scene alongside historical background information that adds depth and meaning to these timeless quotes.

Hamlet quotes