#3

       Tone change is ubiquitous in literature.  Shakespeare's Hamlet is no exception.  Within a literary work subtle hints portray the change in tone and what it means.  In Hamlet the tone change is depicted through diction.  Up until act I scene 5, Hamlet always appeals to the heavens.  However after his encounter with the Ghost, and learning of how his father really died Hamlet begins to reference Hell: "O all you host of heaven!  O earth!  What else?/ And shall I couple hell?" (I.V.99-100).  Hamlet's references to Hell show a major transition in character.  Before meeting the ghost of his father Hamlet is a passive man.  He wants to kill himself over grief yet will not.  He wants to go to Wittenberg for his studies and get away from his mother and uncle, yet he does not because his will is made passive to that of others.  After meeting the ghost a fire for revenge is ignited within Hamlet.  His hatred for his mother and uncle are made sure.  Hamlet begins to speak with passion.  He makes oaths to himself to wipe away all fond memories of his father and only keep the memory of his ghost which tells him to avenge his father's death.  Hamlet's words appear to be words of action.  It seems that in the future he will avenge his father and right the wrongs his uncle committed, however, Hamlet does not make plans or show that he is fully committed to revenge.  This lack of action may foretell Hamlet's tragic flaw.   Hamlet's tragic flaw could possibly be his inaction.  All in all the there is an undeniable change in tone as Hamlet appeals to the underworld.  Hamlet's new passion could be the start of a long journey to action and revenge.