Hamlet 5

In his infamous "To be, or not to be" (III.i.57), prince Hamlet debates the reason for living. Like Meursault from The Stranger, Hamlet ponders the struggle of a meaningless life. Hamlet's, similarly to Meursault, views life as full of "nasty things" (III.i.58) and "troubles" (III.i.60). However, the ways in which Hamlet and Meursault view life is where they differ. Meursault believes that it is one's purpose to create meaning in an utterly meaningless world; that one should attempt to find a purpose to thrive on in life. On the contrary Hamlet believes that the only escape from the tortures of life is suicide. Hamlet's only reservations towards suicide are worries about after death. He states, "For in that sleep of death what dreams may come/ When we have shuffled off this mortal coil,/ Must give us pause" (II.i.67-69). Suicide is the only option for Hamlet. He cannot attribute meaning to his life therefore he has no purpose. Towards the end of his monologue he confirms his future death by stating "The fair Ophelia!—Nymph, in thy orisons/ Be all my sins remembered" (III.i.90-91).