In William Shakespeare's Hamlet, seven soliloquies support the idea that the play depicts warfare in Hamlet's soul. As Hamlet awaits the performance of the play, watches Claudius at prayer, and then observes Fortinbras and his army march across Denmark, he debates his duty to his father and Denmark, his fate, as well as his conscience. Although he contemplates suicide, and although he refuses to kill Claudius at prayer, he chooses to live in order to deal with the diseased state of Denmark; he vows to kill Claudius when he is sinning; he decides to avenge his father not for his own sake but for the honour of Denmark.
As he awaits the play, he questions whether it would be easier to end his life by his own hand rather than suffer the heartache that has befallen him. Living means he must fulfill his duty to his father by taking revenge against his uncle Claudius who is responsible for King Hamlet's death. He also has to restore the order in Denmark. Claudius is the main source of corruption and disease flooding the country. In this soliloquy, he contemplates his tasks, and wishes that the duty was not given to him. He finally decides that suicide is not an option, as it is a sin in the eyes of God and he is not willing to put his place in heaven in jeopardy. King Hamlet, Hamlet's father may also be awaiting in the afterlife, and Hamlet does not wish to disappoint his father by leaving his duty unfulfilled. Hamlet has a very strong conscience and is also very aware of his task, which he has promised to complete. As he awaits to view the performance of the play, he hopes for solid proof of Claudius" guilt, which may aid his inability to act on his father's wishes. .
Once the play is over, Hamlet is certain that he must fulfill his duty and he asks himself if he might kill Claudius while he is praying, and in turn cure the disease that infects Denmark and avenge his father. Hamlet's conscience is satisfied when he decides to delay the murder.
