SOLILOQUY ANALYSIS: Hamlet, Act I & II
English 4 AP / Mrs. Ramos
By the end of Act II, Hamlet has delivered three soliloquies. They can be examined in a number of ways.
First, paraphrase the soliloquies, then analyze them. Mark ideas about:
 mood / atmosphere
 attitude toward others
 attitude toward self
 motifs / repeated images or concepts
 views / values represented
 shift / moments of realization
 significant references / points of diction
 poetic devices & effects
Once you have a grip on each individual soliloquy, look at them as a progression. What is remaining
static in Hamlet’s personal reflections? What is shifting? Why?