Quintessence of Dust

I have of late--but

 wherefore I know not--lost all my mirth, forgone all    

 custom of exercises; and indeed it goes so heavily

 with my disposition that this goodly frame, the

 earth, seems to me a sterile promontory, this most

 excellent canopy, the air, look you, this brave

 o'erhanging firmament, this majestical roof fretted     

 with golden fire, why, it appears no other thing to

 me than a foul and pestilent congregation of vapours.

 What a piece of work is a man! how noble in reason!

 how infinite in faculty! in form and moving how

 express and admirable! in action how like an angel!  

 in apprehension how like a god! the beauty of the

 world! the paragon of animals! And yet, to me,

 what is this quintessence of dust? man delights not me

 

 

1) What is Hamlet’s opinion of the world? Of Mankind?

2) Do you agree with this outlook? In what ways is he correct? Incorrect?

3) Think about everything that has preceded this monologue and the exact moment that he is giving it. Do you believe that this speech is an accurate representation of what is on Hamlet’s mind? Or is he purely acting and making this stuff up? Why?