Hamlet

ACT IV, Sc. 4, Lines 16-31: What is the theme in Hamlet's words and attitude?

Hamlet. Goes it against the main of Poland, sir,

Or for some frontier?

Captain. Truly to speak, and with no addition,

We go to gain a little patch of ground

That hath in it no profit but the name.

To pay five ducats - five - I would not farm it;

Nor will it yield to Norway or the Pole

A ranker rate should it be sold in fee.

Hamlet. Why, then the Polack never will defend it.

Captain. Yes, it is already garrisoned.

Hamlet. Two thousand souls and twenty thousand ducats

Will not debate the question of this straw!

This is th'imposthume of much wealth and peace,

That inward breaks, and shows no cause without

Why the man dies. I humbly thank you, sir.

Captain. God be wi'you, sir. [Exit]

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This is a prelude to Hamlet's soliloquy about his own cowardice and lack of action. Hamlet laments his own lack of forceful vengeance. Hamlet actually seems aware of his own tragic flaw.