(Don't) Be Hamlet

     Suicide is not a topic on the average person's mind. It's definitely not a part of the norm and for most people, never really talked about. But Hamlet is not exactly the typical young adult. He sees that all of what once was stable is beginning to fall down. Everything is in shambles in his eyes and the consideration of taking his own life doesn't sound like a bad idea to him. Throughout giving thought over this sinful act, he contemplates the pros (no more dramatic events and ending heartache) and cons (shame toward his family and losing the love of Ophelia) in the situation. The setting and plot give reason for him to keep on living and being a man of such a young age, I believe he should stick it out for himself and his family's sake. Life always gets worse before it gets better; Hamlet should just face the music and not let the worst of things get the best of him.
     Hamlet is a man who is a little bit out of the box for his generation. He is beyond angsty, constantly depressed, and still grieving over his late father's tragic death. His emotions are deep to the core and go to dramatic lengths at some points. The end of his world is at his feet and his immediate thought is to end it all. His pondering about suicide leads him to debate both sides of the decision. One of the points he doesn't really touch on is the fact that in this time, suicide is very much frowned upon. It's a forbidden subject because it's the wrong solution to anything. The plot can also show a positive sign of living due to the fact that Hamlet should be focusing on the revenge against Claudius. He needs to put his energy towards his plan of attack instead of his plan of putting down his own life. He has much more to live for in his future and so much he has to fight for before he dies.
     When someone is truly suicidal or even thinking about the possibility of committing such an act, there isn't really a way to stop them. As Hamlet becomes more involved into the idea, his motives sound better and better to him; his inner demons are controlling his thoughts to the full extent. As the reader, I understand Hamlet's situation but can also put the other factors into consideration. Leaving behind what you once know isn't always ideal. Hamlet doesn't know what life after death is like; he may end up hating it more than living. He always doesn't really understand how much sorrow his mother would feel. She would be devastated because it's difficult to watch your child die before you do. He doesn't fully see the effects his one life-changing decision it would make. His selfish happiness in suicide could result in remorse for everyone else around him. He should find a light and keep his head up to get out of the rut he is stuck in.
     For most people, suicide is hard to wrap the mind around. The concept of self-destruction can tear apart everything a person may know. It can lead to burned bridges and remorse towards any part of life. Hamlet's new found discovery with suicide has him at a crossroads. "To be or not to be---that is the question," is his most important thought. Even though his world may be turned upside down, he should take into consideration what society was against in this time frame and what chance of revenge he will miss if he takes his own life. He also needs to see that his mother loves him (whether or not he knows it) and if he leaves her like that, her soul will be internally crushed. He shouldn't end his story yet; there are still so many pages left to discover in his life.