What Dreams May Come in Hamlet: An Analysis of the Phrase and Its Implications

William Shakespeare's drama Hamlet explores themes of existential crisis, morality, and the fear of the unknown. One of the most poignant lines from the play is when Hamlet famously contemplates, what dreams may come when we have shuffled off this mortal coil. This line encapsulates Hamlet’s internal struggle and the tension between the desire for escape from suffering and the fear of what lies beyond death.

Contemplation of Death and Fear of the Unknown

Hamlet struggles with the decision of whether to avenge his father’s death and become a murderer, or end his life due to depression and fear for his sanity. In his soliloquy, he weighs his choices, considering the realities of both suicide and the tragic consequences of failing to fulfill his vow to his father’s ghost. The phrase "what dreams may come" highlights Hamlet's deep contemplation of death and the fear of the unknown.

Existential Crisis in Hamlet

Hamlet's existential crisis is evident in his soliloquy, where he reflects on the nature of life, death, and the afterlife. He is torn between the obligation to seek revenge for his father's murder, the potential consequences of that action, and the relief he would find in suicide. However, the line "what dreams may come" adds a layer of complexity to his thought process, making him question the potential nightmares that might follow death.

Hamlet's Soliloquy: A Moment of Reflection

In his soliloquy, Hamlet weighs his options and foreshadows the consequences of each, stating, "To be or not to be, that is the question: whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, or to take arms against a sea of troubles and by opposing end them." He is frustrated that his contemplation of these terrible choices makes him feel cowardly and inaction-prone.

The Meaning Behind "What Dreams May Come"

The phrase "what dreams may come" does not mean that death is like a peaceful sleep. Instead, it is a reflection on the potential for suffering in the afterlife, particularly Hell, as envisioned in Christian doctrine. Hamlet's fear is not just of oblivion but of eternal torment. The line "Mortality is like a dream" (line 76) suggests that life is fleeting, and death may be like a nightmare from which one cannot wake.

Religious and Cultural Influences

Hamlet's fear of Hell is rooted in the Christian belief that God forbids suicide. This fear keeps Hamlet from taking his own life to escape his mental suffering. His line "And, by a sleep to say we end the heart-ache and the thousand natural shocks that flesh is heir to" suggests that the thought of a dreamless sleep is tempting, but the fear of eternal torment in the afterlife is even more daunting.

Conclusion

Hamlet's contemplation of death through the phrase "what dreams may come" is a poignant exploration of the human condition. The play delves into the complexities of moral and existential dilemmas, highlighting the tension between survival and escape. Hamlet's struggle with these themes continues to resonate with audiences, providing a timeless reflection on the fear of the unknown and the human desire for resolution.