A Difference of Language

     The novel Hamlet is full of soliloquies that inform the reader of every thought and action that takes place within each of the characters.  In epics such as Beowulf, there are no soliloquies, so the reader is forced to interpret character's actions on their own.  This difference is reflected in the tone of each work of literature.  The tone of Hamlet is melancholy and dark, so it makes sense for soliloquies to be placed in the novel, as there is not much action for such soliloquies to interrupt.  On the other hand, the tone of Beowulf is adventurous, with the tempo of the book moving swiftly along.  These factors are the reasons behind why Hamlet's use of language differentiates him from epic heroes such as Beowulf.

     

     The "To be, or not to be…." soliloquy is a perfect example to this claim.  Hamlet rambles on for some twenty plus lines about his thoughts and feelings.  He debates the pros and cons of suicide, saying, 

"To die to sleep-- 

No more-- and by a sleep to say we end 

The heartache, and the thousand natural shocks 

That flesh is heir to.  'Tis a consummation 

Devoutly to be wished."

This is something that an epic hero, such as Beowulf, would not even dream about.  It would be considered such a dishonor both to himself, and to his good name.

     

     The language of Beowulf is focused more on action, as shown in the excerpt below:

"'And if death does take me, send the hammered

Mail of my armor to Higlac, return

The inheritance I had from Hrethel, and he

From Wayland.  Fate will unwind as it must!"

Here Beowulf is about to go back into battle.  He knows that the only honorable death is in fighting for one's country, so he is prepared to go if that is what fate has in store for him.  As contrasted with the excerpt from Hamlet, this exchange of feelings was said in dialogue, leaving it open to interpretation for the reader.

     

     The language in Hamlet differentiates from that of Beowulf due to tone and style.  In Hamlet, lengthy soliloquies are appropriate due to the dreariness of the novel.  Contrarily, the focus of Beowulf is action, so the language is set to reflect this tone.  Characters thoughts are not explicitly stated, but instead are left to be interpreted by the reader.