Devoutly to be wish'd. To die, to sleep; To sleep, perchance to dream-For in that sleep of death what dreams may come,When we have shuffled off this mortal coil, Must give us pause, there's the respect, That makes calamity of so long life
In Hamlet, the protagonist grapples with the concept of death and what lies beyond it. He reflects on the desire for death, likening it to a peaceful sleep, yet is unsettled by the uncertainty of dreams that may come after death. This contemplation illustrates the fear of the unknown and the inherent dilemma of existence, showing how the prospect of death can be both a relief and a source of anxiety.
Hamlet recognizes that the fear of the unknown aftermath of death serves as a significant barrier to ending one's suffering. The thoughts on mortality and the burdens of life lead to a deeper understanding of human nature and the conflicts we face. These meditations reveal the complexity of life's challenges and the profound implications of life and death in shaping our actions and thoughts.