Be great in act, as you have been in thought

Be great in act, as you have been in thought

In William Shakespeare's play, "Hamlet," the character of Hamlet himself embodies the idea of being great in act as one has been in thought. Throughout the play, Hamlet is constantly grappling with his own thoughts and emotions, struggling to find the courage and conviction to act on his desires. He is a character who is deeply introspective and contemplative, often musing on the nature of life, death, and the human condition.

One of the most famous soliloquies in all of literature, Hamlet's "To be or not to be" speech, perfectly encapsulates this internal struggle. In this speech, Hamlet ponders the idea of suicide and questions the meaning of life. He is torn between his desire to seek revenge for his father's murder and his fear of the consequences of his actions. Despite his deep thoughts and philosophical musings, Hamlet ultimately struggles to take decisive action, leading to tragic consequences for himself and those around him.

The quote "Be great in act, as you have been in thought" can be seen as a call to action for Hamlet. It serves as a reminder that one's thoughts and intentions are meaningless without the courage and determination to act upon them. In Hamlet's case, his inability to act decisively ultimately leads to his downfall.

Shakespeare himself was a master at exploring the complexities of human nature and the inner workings of the human mind. His characters are often torn between their desires and their fears, their thoughts and their actions. In many of his plays, including "Hamlet," Shakespeare delves into the idea of the struggle between thought and action, and the consequences of failing to act on one's convictions.